Verizon wireless customers across the U.S. faced widespread service outages, leaving phones stuck in SOS mode. The company has since restored service in the Bay Area and other regions after a major software issue.
Verizon Faces Widespread Service Disruption
Verizon, one of the nation’s largest wireless providers, experienced a significant service outage this week that left countless customers struggling to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data. The disruption, traced to a software-related issue, quickly spread across multiple regions in the U.S., impacting both personal and business communications.
Reports began surfacing early in the day from frustrated users who suddenly noticed their devices displaying “SOS mode” or “No Service.” Many were unable to connect to Verizon’s wireless network, sparking confusion and concern, particularly in areas where staying connected is critical.
Customers Stuck in SOS Mode
For many affected subscribers, their phones were only able to connect to emergency services, as indicated by the SOS-only status. This mode, while important for public safety, highlighted the severity of the outage for everyday communications.
Social media platforms lit up as customers across the country posted about the outage. Many shared screenshots of phones stuck in SOS mode. Others posted frequent updates while searching for answers. Some business owners even reported losing revenue. They couldn’t process mobile payments or stay in touch with clients during the downtime.
Verizon Restores Service in Bay Area and Beyond
By late afternoon, Verizon announced that its technical teams had identified and addressed the underlying software problem. Service was gradually restored in the Bay Area and other major cities nationwide, bringing relief to millions of customers who had been cut off for hours.
In a statement, the company apologized for the inconvenience and assured customers that steps are being taken to prevent similar outages in the future. Verizon emphasized its commitment to reliability, noting that while large-scale outages are rare, quick restoration remains a top priority.