SoftAtHome powers Orange's new service for fiber outage continuity

French telecom operator Orange has launched a new service, Reconnexion Flash, designed to ensure customer internet connectivity is maintained during fiber optic network disruptions. At the heart of this service is SoftAtHome's Always'ON technology, which automatically reroutes household network traffic through the customer's smartphone's mobile data connection if the fiber line fails.

Traditionally, fiber outages often necessitated separate backup solutions, such as dedicated 4G dongles or mobile routers. Orange's new service, integrated into its Livebox 7 Wi-Fi 7 and Livebox S devices, eliminates this requirement. When a fiber connection is lost, the Livebox detects the disruption and establishes a connection to the customer's smartphone's 'hotspot' functionality. This allows all household devices, including computers, tablets, and smart TVs, to remain connected without manual user intervention or reconfiguration.

The service is designed for straightforward setup. A QR code appears on the Livebox screen when an outage is detected. By scanning this code, users are guided through activating their smartphone's hotspot and entering a provided password. The Livebox then automatically connects to the nearby phone. Once the fiber service is restored, the device seamlessly switches back to the fixed line and disconnects the mobile link.

Orange emphasizes that the service enhances customer experience and network resilience. SoftAtHome views the Always'ON solution as a valuable addition, helping operators maintain customer connectivity during critical times. The new service operates without the need for separate applications or VPN configurations.