01/15/2026
UPDATE...Thursday, January 15 at 233am
>>>Verizon has posted: Outage Resolved, Credits to Be Issued to Affected Users.
The wireless carrier apologizes for the outage, which it finally fixed after about 10 hours. Affected users can expect 'account credits.'
They advise that you restart your affected devices.
Hopefully....this stays resolved. In this day and age...our phones are a major part of our lives.
BWN Computer
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ORIGINAL POST...Wednesday, January14th
>>>Verizon is currently experiencing a nationwide service outage going on today...there have been over 1 million reports logged in the past 24 hours.
Currently, Engineering teams have been deployed to resolve widespread interruptions that have left many phones stuck in SOS mode.
Here is the current status for other carrier networks:
T-Mobile: They have confirmed their network is operating normally. While some users reported issues, the company clarified these were likely failed attempts to call Verizon customers.
AT&T: Their reports indicate the network is operating normally. Like T-Mobile, any reported "issues" are primarily attributed to cross-carrier connection failures when trying to reach Verizon users.
If you are experiencing issues, you can check the official status pages directly for each carrier:
Verizon: Sign in to the My Verizon portal or use the Network Status Tool.
AT&T: Check for localized disruptions on the AT&T Outage Map.
T-Mobile: View updates on the Network Disruptions support page.
General Tracking: Use Downdetector for real-time user-reported spikes across all carriers.
Are you currently seeing an "SOS" icon on your phone, or are you just having trouble reaching a specific person?
Here is how you can still place calls by using alternative connection methods:
1. Enable Wi-Fi Calling
If you have access to a Wi-Fi network, this is the most reliable way to make normal calls and send texts.
iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it On.
Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Calls, and toggle Wi-Fi Calling On.
Note: You may be asked to confirm your emergency (911) address when enabling Wi-Fi Calling.
2. Use Messaging & VoIP Apps
Apps that use data rather than cellular voice signals will work over any active internet connection (Wi-Fi or a secondary carrier's data).
FaceTime Audio: Best for calling other iPhone users.
WhatsApp / Messenger: Allows full voice and video calls to anyone else with the app.
Google Voice / Skype: Can be used to call standard landlines or cell numbers over Wi-Fi.
3. Satellite Messaging (iPhone 14+ / Pixel 9)
If you are outdoors with a clear view of the sky and have no Wi-Fi or cellular service, you may see an SOS icon that allows satellite connectivity.
For Emergencies: Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a satellite to reach 911.
For Standard Messaging: On iOS 18, your iPhone will automatically offer "Messages via Satellite" if it detects you are off the grid.
4. Emergency Calls (911 Only)
Even during a major carrier outage, your phone can often use other carriers' networks to complete a 911 call if they are still functioning.
If your primary phone fails, try a landline or a device from a different carrier (like T-Mobile or AT&T).
Hopefully, this information will help you out.
If you have any questions about this post, or any other IT-related issues, send them our way and we'll help you out.
Have a Blessed and Safe evening!
Brian and Tonya
Owners of BWN Computer
2017 State Hwy 16 South
Graham, TX. 76450
940-282-0290