Houston, Texas – AT&T users across the nation are currently facing widespread cell service outages, leaving many unable to make calls, including to emergency services. The telecommunication provider has clarified that the issue is not a result of a cyber attack but rather due to errors in a network expansion process.
With approximately 250 million customers, AT&T is the largest phone network in the United States. The outage began early on Thursday, prompting warnings from emergency services and recommendations from companies on how to navigate the disruption. By 3pm ET, the entire network had been fully restored.
AT&T has issued an apology to affected customers and is actively working to restore service as quickly as possible. In the midst of the outage, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is collaborating with AT&T to investigate the cause and impact of the disruption.
Residents in cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin in Texas, as well as those in locations in the Midwest and on the east coast, reported the highest number of service disruptions. The National Association of Broadcasters emphasized the importance of AM radio in emergencies, highlighting the need for reliable communication channels beyond cellular networks.
During the outage, AT&T directed customers to a special network update page on their website. The company encouraged users to utilize WiFi calling as an alternative means of communication. Residents in other major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Miami, and Indianapolis also experienced difficulties with cell service.
Various officials, including the White House and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have addressed the outage and emphasized the potential ramifications of widespread communication disruptions. While the outage has drawn comparisons to scenarios depicted in media, such as Netflix’s “Leave The World Behind,” it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure.
As investigations into the outage continue, experts are considering a range of possibilities, from technical errors to potential external factors like solar flares. The incident underscores the critical role of communication networks in modern society and the importance of preparedness for unforeseen disruptions.