Verizon outage locks wireless customers in SOS mode
by Joe Fisher · UPIJan. 14 (UPI) -- Verizon Wireless is experiencing a widespread outage Wednesday with some customers saying their devices are stuck in SOS mode.
The outage began at about noon EST, DownDetector service outage detector showing an increase in customers losing service. Shortly after, Verizon customers began posting on social media that they were experiencing a loss of service or that their devices were stuck in SOS mode.
SOS mode does not allow a cellphone to connect to the wireless network but emergency calls are still possible by using the signal from other networks.
Verizon acknowledged the outage in a post on X.
"We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," Verizon News posted. "Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly."
An update an hour later said that Verizon engineers continue working on the issue but it did not identify the reason for the outage or say when full service is expected to be restored.
Verizon's competitors T-Mobile and AT&T said they are not experiencing any issues with their service.
Emergency alert agencies in New York City and Washington, D.C., have responded to the outage.
The Washington, D.C., emergency notification system urged those affected to go to a police district or fire station directly to report emergencies, or use a device from another carrier if they can.
New York City's emergency management team said it is working closely with "partners" on the outage and to "assess any potential effects on city agencies and essential services."