AT&T‘s network experienced widespread outages across the United States on Thursday morning, causing disruptions in cellular service and internet connectivity, as reported by Downdetector, a website that tracks such incidents.
Reports indicate that over 32,000 AT&T outages were flagged by customers around 4 a.m. ET, with numbers escalating to more than 50,000 by 7 a.m. ET. Most of the issues were concentrated in major cities such as Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, according to data from Downdetector. The number of reported outages surged to over 71,000 just before 8 a.m. ET.
While some Verizon and T-Mobile users also reported connectivity issues, both companies clarified that the outages primarily affected those attempting to contact AT&T users.
As of 7 a.m. Thursday, a little over 1,100 T-Mobile outages and approximately 3,000 Verizon outages were reported. The exact cause of the service disruption remains unclear.
AT&T acknowledged the problem, stating, “Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored.”
The disruptions extended to Cricket Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, with over 13,500 customer-reported outages as of 8 a.m. ET. The company assured customers that restoring full service capacity is its top priority.
Verizon clarified that while the outages didn’t directly affect their network, customers trying to reach other carriers might experience difficulties.
Similarly, T-Mobile assured users that their network was operating normally and suggested that Downdetector numbers might reflect attempts by customers to contact users on other networks.
The outages raised concerns regarding emergency communication, as some individuals might be unable to reach 911 services. San Francisco’s Fire Department confirmed issues affecting AT&T wireless customers’ ability to make and receive calls, including emergency calls to 911. They advised affected individuals to try using a landline or reach out to someone on a different carrier for assistance.
We are aware of an issue impacting AT&T wireless customers from making and receiving any phone calls (including to 911).
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) February 22, 2024
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
Other emergency services, such as the Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications, Virginia’s Prince William County Police Department, and North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, issued alerts acknowledging the outage and advising alternative means to contact 911 if necessary.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated that the city is actively gathering information to address the issue. Despite reports of AT&T users’ phones displaying SOS mode, which restricts usage to emergency calls, Apple Support confirmed that iPhone users can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks.
Authorities emphasized the importance of reserving 911 calls for genuine emergencies and discouraged testing cell service by calling emergency lines unnecessarily. The Massachusetts State Police urged against flooding 911 centers with non-emergency calls, emphasizing the need to keep lines clear for actual emergencies.
As service providers work to restore connectivity, affected individuals are advised to utilize alternative communication methods and refrain from overloading emergency lines with non-urgent inquiries.
