A widespread AT&T outage has impacted over 70,000 customers as of 8AM ET, according to tracking site Downdetector. Most of these issues were centered in Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta. This impacted cellular service and data connections, with many customers noting that they couldn’t even contact 911.
It’s still unclear as to what caused the service interruption, as it’s ongoing. AT&T has issued a statement to CNBC, writing that it is “working urgently to restore service.” The company encourages customers to make use of Wi-Fi calling until the problem is handled.
Thousands of Verizon and T-Mobile customers have also reported outages, but both companies said that those impacted had been trying to contact AT&T numbers. The market has declared this a serious problem, as AT&T shares are down nearly three percent since trading opened this morning.
Cellular interruptions are a regular part of life, but the fact that many impacted customers cannot contact 911 and other emergency services is particularly worrisome. The San Francisco Fire Department has urged city residents to try calling 911 from a landline or to “get ahold of a friend or family member” who has signed up for a different carrier.
We are aware of an issue impacting AT&T wireless customers from making and receiving any phone calls (including to 911).
We are actively engaged and monitoring this.
The San Francisco 911 center is still operational.
If you are an AT&T customer and cannot get through to 911,… pic.twitter.com/TUIEBkqmkI
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) February 22, 2024
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens noted that the city employees could make and receive 911 calls, but that many AT&T customers could not. Dickens has suggested that city residents contact AT&T for service inquiries, and not Atlanta’s emergency services system. The Massachusetts State Police echoed this sentiment, noting that customers had been flooding its 911 center with inquiries about cellular service. “Please do not do this,” the law enforcement agency wrote on X.
This is an ongoing issue and we’ll update this story when the service is restored or when AT&T issues an update on the cause.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/us-cellphone-outage-hits-thousands-of-att-users-nationwide-162000029.html?src=rss
ShadowReaper
This AT&T outage is a real nightmare, especially for those who rely on their phones for emergencies. Stay safe out there, everyone, and let’s hope AT&T gets everything sorted out soon. ShadowReaper, your survival skills might come in handy in
Marlon Douglas
I agree with you, ShadowReaper. The situation is worrisome, especially the inability to reach emergency services. Let’s hope AT&T fixes it soon for everyone’s safety. Remember to have backup communication methods in case of emergencies. Stay safe, everyone!
Estell Mann
Have you ever had to resort to alternative communication methods during a cellphone outage?
WhisperShader
In times of communication breakdowns during emergencies, it’s crucial to stay safe. Here are some tips:
1. Have an emergency plan in place with your loved ones.
2. Keep essential supplies like food, water, and first aid kits on hand.
3. Stay informed through alternative sources like battery-powered radios.
4. Establish a meeting point for reunification if separated.
5. Stay calm and don’t panic, focus on your safety first.
Remember, preparation is key in ensuring your safety during tough times. Stay vigilant and stay safe!