Tens of thousands of Americans experienced network outages with AT&T on Thursday morning, resulting in lost cell phone service and concerns about access to emergency helplines. Some customers found their phones stuck in SOS mode, indicating a poor connection. While Cricket Wireless reported that about three-quarters of their network had been restored, some cities reassured residents that services should remain operational despite the outages. iPhone users in particular noticed the disruption causing their phones to go into SOS mode, limiting them to emergency calls or texts only.
SOS mode on an iPhone appears in the upper right corner of the screen when a connection is poor, preventing regular calls but allowing for emergency calls to be made. If a user is connected to the internet, they may still be able to browse online. The issue arises when the phone no longer has a cellular connection, resulting in the SOS designation. While there is no easy fix for phones stuck in SOS mode, Apple recommends checking for cellular network coverage, carrier settings updates, and ensuring that cellular data is turned on.
For those affected by the nationwide outage, the only option is to wait for their carrier to resolve the issue before being able to use their phones normally again. In the meantime, users can try troubleshooting their phones by checking for network coverage, updates, and data settings. The disruption caused by the AT&T network outages has raised concerns about access to emergency services, as some users may be unable to make regular calls during the outage. However, with some cities assuring residents that services should remain operational, the impact of the outages may be limited in certain areas.
The widespread network outages have highlighted the importance of reliable cell phone service, especially in emergency situations. Users are encouraged to be prepared for disruptions by familiarizing themselves with their phone’s SOS mode and alternative means of communication. While the exact cause of the outages has not been disclosed, AT&T and other carriers are working to restore service to affected customers as quickly as possible. In the meantime, users are advised to stay informed about the status of their network and be prepared for any future disruptions that may occur.
