Call your loved ones with a Home Phone package

In the event of a power outage, your phone service won’t work unless there’s a battery backup or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the phone modem.

Good to know: Even with a backup battery, your phone service might not work if the power outage is also affecting the distribution node that provides your signal.

Battery backups by model and available options

• Newer models and most fibre modems, such as our F@st and Calix 803 or Calix 812 models, do not have a battery backup option.
  • For these models, you can buy a UPS from a third party. It’s your responsibility to replace the battery when necessary.
  • If your modem connects to other networking equipment, such as a phone switch, that device would also need to be connected to a UPS for phone service to work during a power outage.
• Older models of phone modems, such as the ARRIS and RCA models, include a built-in battery or had one you could purchase from us. If your battery has stopped working, you can contact us for a replacement (charges would apply to replace a battery that was purchased).

Battery capacity and usage

• A modem battery allows your phone service to work during a power outage, including for making calls to 911 and for connected alarm systems.
• A fully charged modem battery can last between 4 and 8 hours, depending on usage.
• Cordless phones will not work during a power outage unless the base is connected to a UPS.

Most of the time, if you switch to Cogeco, we can transfer your phone number from your current provider to our service. But there are a few exceptions. We can’t transfer your number if:

• There are outstanding charges owed to your previous provider
• There are any changes scheduled to your account with your previous provider
• Your existing number isn’t recognized as being part of the municipality you’re moving to (e.g. we wouldn’t be able to transfer a Burlington number to Hamilton)
• Your number has been suspended or disconnected by your previous provider

Important: You should not cancel your phone service with your current provider before contacting Cogeco. This would prevent us from transferring your same phone number. In fact, if you’re keeping your same number then once your Cogeco service is installed, your previous phone plan will be cancelled automatically.

Yes, with Cogeco’s phone service you get the full support of 9-1-1 and Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1). 

When you dial 9-1-1 from your Cogeco Phone, our systems send your name, address and telephone number to the emergency call centre serving your area, the same as with a traditional phone line.