Verizon customers across the U.S. reported major network problems on Saturday, with many saying their phones were stuck in SOS mode for hours.
In a statement to CBS News, Verizon confirmed it was dealing with a “software issue impacting wireless service for some customers.”
“Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue,” the company said. “Please visit our Check Network Status page for updates on service in your area. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your patience.”
Reports of outages came from California to Florida, according to posts on social media and DownDetector, a site that tracks service interruptions for phone companies, websites, and other businesses.
One customer told CBS News that the company was downplaying the impact: “Verizon is making it seem as if only ‘some customers are affected.’ That’s not true. All my L.A. friends, who have Verizon, don’t have service either.”
According to DownDetector, problems started around 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday and peaked around 3:30 p.m., with nearly 23,000 reports.
People across the country said their phones could only connect in SOS mode. This happens when a device can’t reach its normal wireless network but can still make emergency calls, such as 911, by connecting through another carrier, according to Apple.
Verizon had a similar outage in October 2024, when more than 100,000 people reported problems on DownDetector.
