What is a battery back-up unit (BBU)?

A battery back-up unit (BBU) may be provided by an engineer when we install your full fibre service.

1. What is a Battery Back-Up Unit (BBU)? 
   
   

   A Battery Back-Up Unit allows your KCOM landline service to continue working for a limited time during a power cut. 

   If provided, the BBU powers your fibre equipment so you can still make and receive essential calls, including calls to the emergency services. 

    
   
   

   What does a BBU do? 
   
   

   • Provides around 1 hour 20 minutes of standby power 

   • Allows approximately 1 hour 20 minutes of talk time 

   • Enables calls to: 

   • • Emergency services 

   • • Carers or doctors 

   • • Family, friends, or neighbours 
       
       

   During a power cut, we recommend limiting calls to essential use only.
   
   
   

   Important things to know 
   
   

   Power and setup 

   • The BBU must be plugged into a mains socket and always switched on to stay charged 

   • The BBU powers your fibre box, not your phone handset 
     
     

   Phone compatibility 

   • You must use a corded phone that does not rely on mains power 

   • Cordless phones will not work during a power cut, even with a BBU 

   • This is because cordless handsets need their own power supply, which the BBU does not provide 

    

   Looking after your BBU 
   
   

   • The batteries should be checked once a year 

   • You are responsible for: 

   • • Keeping the batteries charged 

   • • Replacing them when required 
       

    
   
   

   Support for customers who rely on their landline 
   
   

   If we have provided a BBU because: 

   • You rely on your landline to contact the emergency services, or 

   • You have equipment such as a lifeline or care alarm connected 
     
     

   We will: 

   • Maintain the BBU for you 

   • Contact you every 12 months to arrange a free engineer visit 

   • Replace the batteries if needed 
     
     

   The visit takes no more than 15 minutes and is free of charge. 
   
   

   If you notice any issues with your BBU, contact us immediately: 

   • Call 151 from your landline, or 

   • 01482 602151 from your mobile 
     
     

 What do the lights on the battery back-up unit mean?