AT&T and Verizon customers have been hit by a nationwide outage, meaning they can no longer call 911.
At least 24 states are experiencing problems affecting thousands of Americans from North Dakota to Illinois and New York.
DownDetector, a site that monitors online outages, shows that the disruptions occurred around 12:26 p.m. ET, but skyrocketed about four hours later.
Customers have also reported dropped calls, no internet connection and the inability to hear the person on the other end of the line.
AT&T customers have reported problems calling 911 in multiple US states. At least 24 states are experiencing issues that started around 12:26 PM ET
While the AT&T outage started in the afternoon, it appears Verizon customers have been dealing with issues all day.
User reports of Verizon’s outages are largely concentrated in the Northeast, including New York, Boston, but Chicago, Detroit and Seattle also appear to be affected.
However, AT&T is more widespread with issues in Tampa, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
It is not yet known what causes the problems and how many people are affected.
AT&T and Verizon customers cited issues with “cell phone,” “mobile internet” and “landline internet,” according to DownDetector.
Those unable to reach 911 should contact local emergency services directly.
AT&T responded to a frustrated customer on X who posted, “Is it a problem or is it all cell phones? I can’t get a call to transfer to any other provider except ATT.’
The mobile company responded: “Let’s help figure out what’s causing this. DM us your zip code and we will get started.’
AT&T has a service dashboard that allows users to see if there is an outage in their area.
User reports of Verizon’s outages are largely concentrated in the Northeast, including New York, Boston, but Chicago, Detroit and Seattle also appear to be affected
However, AT&T is more widespread with issues in Tampa, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Phoenix
A Verizon customer posted on
‘We would like to delve deeper into your service issues. Send us a DM,” a company spokesperson responded to the message.
An AT&T customer shared on X that her service is “fine,” but her husband’s Verizon is down most of the day.