Verizon Is Having Network Issues Monday, Leaving Some Stuck in SOS Mode [CNET]

“We are working quickly to identify and solve the issue,” the carrier says.

If you’ve had trouble using Verizon’s network on Monday morning, you’re not the only one. The carrier has confirmed to CNET that it has been working to fix some problems. 

“We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers,” a Verizon spokesperson said in a statement. “Our engineers are engaged, and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.”

Exactly what the issues are, how many people they’re affecting or when they might be resolved was not immediately known. It is also unclear if the problems were related to Hurricane Helene, which hit the US over the weekend. 

The issues have led to some Verizon users taking to X to post how their phone has been stuck in “SOS mode,” an emergency setting that allows for contacting and connecting with first responders but not regular friends, family or contacts. 

Like this if your phone is stuck in SOS mode @Verizon @VerizonSupport #Verizon

— Jalen Harper 💧 (@Scooper1946) September 30, 2024

Anyone else in Chicago having issues w/@Verizon? I’m stuck in SOS mode.

— Patty Wetli (@pattywetli) September 30, 2024

According to Downdetector, a site where users can self-report outages, issues with Verizon’s service have begun popping up across major cities including Chicago, Atlanta and New York. (Downdetector is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

T-Mobile and AT&T have confirmed to CNET that their respective networks are fine and that issues their respective users may be experiencing could be a result of trying to connect with a Verizon user who doesn’t have working service. 

“Based on increased reports on Down Detector related to other providers, we believe our customers may be having challenges connecting with other networks,” a T-Mobile spokesperson said. “Outside of some areas where restoration is continuing from Hurricane Helene, our network is operating normally.”

CNET has reached out to Verizon for more details and will update as we learn more.