Major network outages affecting thousands in the United States

Widespread mobile service disruptions have been reported throughout the United States this Thursday morning.

Thousands of users across multiple networks in the United States have reported outages, leaving them unable to make calls or access services. Downdetector.com, a website that tracks outages, recorded a surge in reports after 04:00 EST (09:00 GMT).

AT&T Experiences Widespread Issues

AT&T, one of the major networks affected, received tens of thousands of reports primarily from hotspots in the south and east regions. Users have reported seeing the SOS message on their phones, indicating network disruptions.

Unclear Cause and Operator Responses

The cause of the outages remains unclear, and several operators have been approached for comment. 

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While AT&T has been responding to customer complaints online, it has not yet widely acknowledged the network problems.

Verizon, another network with reported issues, stated that its network is operating normally, suggesting that some issues may arise from attempts to contact users on other networks.

T-Mobile Assures Normal Operations

T-Mobile, despite reports of issues, has stated that its network is functioning as usual. The company suggests that customers experiencing problems may be encountering difficulties when making outgoing calls to users on different networks.

Other Networks Affected

Several other networks, including Cricket Wireless, UScellular, and Consumer Cellular, have also reported issues. Users are experiencing difficulties with calls, texts, and internet access, with many reporting no service or signal.

Geographical Impact and Emergency Services

Downdetector’s heatmap highlights major population centers such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta among the areas most affected by outages. 

In some areas, 911 emergency service is also down, prompting officials to advise the use of alternative communication methods such as landlines, social media, or cell phones with different carriers in case of emergencies.