Power and internet backup on a budget.

Protect the essentials first

You do not need to back up your whole home. Your laptop has its own battery; keep your router and phone alive and you can work through most outages.

Build up in steps

• Router UPS. A small DC backup for your Wi-Fi router is the cheapest high-impact fix.
• Portable power station. A lithium unit that charges when the grid is on and runs a laptop, router and light through a workday.
• Inverter and batteries, or solar. For long, frequent outages. Get quotes from installers with references.

To size a power station, add up the watts of what you need and multiply by the hours you want to cover, then leave a margin.

Two connections, always

Keep a second SIM on a different network with data ready, and test it monthly. In places with poor fixed broadband, satellite internet such as Starlink can be worth its higher price for reliable calls.

Ask about a stipend

Many remote employers have an equipment budget. Ask with a specific item and price, and frame it around reliability. Roles tagged "Equipment stipend" on Tamborin say so up front.

More detail in power cuts, data caps and the home-office setup that survives them.