Many Verizon users across the eastern United States faced unexpected troubles late Thursday night and early Friday morning. Reports indicate that mobile phones, home internet, and even other Verizon-related services like Visible and Straight Talk experienced outages.
According to data collected from Downdetector.com, complaints surged in just a little over an hour. Around 11:00 pm ET, only a few users reported issues, but by 12:15 am ET, thousands of customers faced problems connecting their devices.
Which Services Were Affected?
Mobile Phone Issues
About half of the complaints were related to mobile phones. Users reported that their devices could not make calls, send messages, or access mobile data. Many Apple iPhone users noticed the SOS icon on their phones, indicating no connection with the network.
No Signal Problems
Around 36% of affected users said they completely lost network signals. Locations like Michigan, especially cities such as Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids, reported the most problems.
Home Internet Disruptions
Some customers using Verizon’s 5G home internet also experienced issues. Although the number was smaller compared to mobile phone complaints, it still caused inconvenience for people working from home.
Impact on Verizon Units: Visible and Straight Talk
The outage was not limited to Verizon alone. Its sister brands Visible and Straight Talk were also affected.
- Visible saw complaints rising from just a few reports to hundreds within 30 minutes. Most users faced no signal, while some reported complete network blackouts.
- Straight Talk experienced a similar surge. The majority of users reported losing signal, while others faced internet or mobile phone problems.
Customer Reactions
Users took to social media and forums to share their experiences. Many expressed frustration, especially those who rely on phones for work or emergency communication. Some users noted that customer service was difficult to reach, adding to their stress.
Possible Reasons for the Outage
While Verizon has not officially released a statement explaining the reason for this outage, large-scale network issues can happen due to several factors:
- Technical glitches in network towers or servers
- Software updates or system maintenance
- Extreme weather affecting infrastructure
- High demand causing network overload
- Outages like this can impact both mobile users and those dependent on home internet services.
Opinion and Advice for Users
Network outages can be frustrating, but users can take a few steps to stay connected:
- Keep backup communication options, such as alternate SIM cards or messaging apps.
- Stay informed through social media or Downdetector for real-time updates.
- Avoid panicking and do not attempt frequent resets, as this can worsen connectivity issues.
Verizon is expected to resolve the problem soon, and most users should regain service within a few hours.
Conclusion
The late-night Verizon outage created significant disruption for thousands of users on the East Coast of the U.S., affecting mobile phones, home internet, and associated services like Visible and Straight Talk. While the company has not officially shared the cause, the problem seems to be temporary. Users are advised to stay patient and check updates from official channels until full connectivity is restored.
FAQs
Why were Verizon services down late at night?
Verizon has not officially disclosed the reason yet. Such outages can happen due to technical issues, network overload, or maintenance.
Which areas were most affected by the Verizon outage?
Michigan saw the highest number of complaints, including cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Oxford.
Were other Verizon units affected?
Yes, sister brands Visible and Straight Talk also faced network problems during the same period.
How can I check if Verizon is down in my area?
Websites like Downdetector.com provide real-time updates from users reporting network issues. Social media platforms also show ongoing outage reports.
What should I do if my phone shows SOS on Verizon?
Try restarting your device, checking network settings, or waiting for the outage to be resolved. If the problem persists, contact Verizon customer support.