Verizon Offers Mobile Broadband Backup for Dedicated Internet Service

Verizon Communications announced the release of high-performance Internet access coupled with automatic wireless broadband backup, marketed as Verizon Internet Dedicated Access with Mobile Broadband and aimed at small to medium-size businesses (SMBs) to help ensure midmarket companies are always available to their customers. The solution automatically routes business traffic to the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO broadband wireless network in the event of a service disruption. 

The company said the solution, which is immediately available nationwide, is ideal for businesses that have highly distributed locations and primarily use IDA for outbound critical traffic, Web research or point-of-sale transactions. In addition to network diversity and customer premises equipment, Verizon Business provides a premium managed installation.

"This new integrated solution gives small- and medium-sized business customers robust and reliable Internet access along with the peace of mind that comes with having a wireless backup plan in place," said Carrie Gray, Verizon Business executive director of SMB solutions marketing.  "Our white-glove managed installation approach enables our customers to concentrate on doing business while leaving the technical complexities to us."

The combined solution features two linked ADTRAN NetVanta 3200 routers - one connected to the primary T1 access source and the other featuring a 3G wireless Network Interface Module designed for use with the Verizon Wireless network.  Verizon said this dual-unit approach helps provide the flexibility to place the 3G NIM-equipped router wherever cellular coverage is strongest. The IDA circuit and Internet traffic are actively monitored so that the wireless link is activated only as needed.

"Small and mid-size businesses, across a variety of vertical industries, seek the same resilient, reliable networks of their large counterparts," said Gary Bolton, vice president of global marketing of AdTran.  "With Verizon's dedicated Internet solution and ADTRAN NetVanta routers, we bring unmatched industry expertise, best-practice business processes and platform leadership to address the critical business-continuity needs of small and mid-size businesses."

Verizon also offers midmarket companies a product called the Managed Router Solution, which provides SMBs with a secure turnkey Internet access solution that combines Verizon Business access with customer premise equipment from Cisco. The solution provides secure dedicated Internet access at speeds ranging from 1.5-megabits-per-second T1 to 50-megabit-per-second Ethernet coupled with proactive monitoring and premium maintenance and installation services.

In addition to premise equipment, which include the Cisco 1800 Series Integrated Services Routers, Cisco 500 Series Secure Routers, and Cisco 800 Series Routers, the solution features configuration and onsite installation; 24x7 monitoring and management; Cisco maintenance and software support; built-in managed firewall; intrusion prevention and next-day repair.