Is An X-Class Solar Flare Responsible For Nationwide Cell Outage?
Update (1305ET):
AT&T and other major mobile network operators are making progress in restoring service to customers after a nationwide outage began in the early morning hours.
"Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. Our network teams took immediate action and so far three-quarters of our network has been restored. We are working as quickly as possible to restore service to remaining customers," AT&T said in a statement to NBC News.
Although AT&T took steps to resolve network issues, the company did not disclose the cause of the outage.
According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, there were no indications of a cyberattack.
"CISA is aware of the reports and we are working closely with AT&T to understand the cause of the outage and its impacts, and stand ready to offer any assistance needed," Eric Goldstein, the agency's executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said in an emailed statement.
One theory suggests that space weather could be responsible for the nationwide cell outage.
A “strong solar flare" caused cellular outages affecting AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile customers across the U.S.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) February 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/UBktAa3K3x
Around the time of the outage, two X-solar solar flares were reported by NASA.
Yes, there was a strong solar flare reported around midnight. But, is it connected to the cell phone outage? Not impossible and the timing is interesting, but not sure we can say that just yet. We'll keep investigating! pic.twitter.com/Q2v0iOwmu6
— Justin Horne (@Justin_Horne) February 22, 2024
Solar flares can disrupt ground-based and or satellite-based communication networks.
Meanwhile, ignore the X-solar solar flares. The FBI & DHS are on it!
- FBI, DHS PROBES IF AT&T ISSUE AN ATTACK OR TECH MALFUNCTION:ABC
- AT&T DISRUPTION PROMPTS AGENCIES TO PROBE IF CYBER ATTACK: ABC
*FBI, DHS PROBES IF AT&T ISSUE AN ATTACK OR TECH MALFUNCTION:ABC
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 22, 2024
the FBI is on it....
*AT&T DISRUPTION PROMPTS AGENCIES TO PROBE IF CYBER ATTACK: ABC
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 22, 2024
a Russian solar flare
There's still no official word on what caused the outages.
* * *
The website Downdetector has detected a surge in outage reports from users of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Boost Mobile, US Cellular, and Straight Talk.
Outage reports for the carriers began around 0345 ET. Geographically, the outages have been reported across some major US cities.
Users of Downdetector began reporting AT&T outages around 0345ET.
Downdetector users say AT&T outages are widespread across the southern part of the country.
Users of Downdetector began reporting Verizon outages around 0400 ET.
Verizon outages are concentrated in major Northeast metro areas.
Users of Downdetector began reporting T-Mobile outages around 0350 ET.
A cluster of Downdetector users report outages in New York City.
Here's what X users are saying:
🚨🇺🇸UPDATE: WIDESPREAD CELL OUTAGE HITS THE U.S
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2024
In what could possibly be a cyber attack on the U.S, outages are being reported across multiple service providers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular.
Source: Downdetector https://t.co/TWZSnugiMF pic.twitter.com/irNlrOU5TC
ATT cell customers have the highest number of no service but other carriers such as Cricket, Verizon, and TMobile are reporting lower number of outages. You can track the outages at https://t.co/5NRH26baXJ pic.twitter.com/l9tFNroHRq
— Jeff Oechslein (@JeffWTOV9) February 22, 2024
BREAKING: @CBSNewsTexas following reports of a widespread @ATT outage. Currently impacting cell phone users who are unable to make calls. Most reporting an "SOS" symbol on home screen. Phones need to be connected to WIFI in order to send/receive iMessages. pic.twitter.com/7Pfr3h3xdT
— Madison Sawyer (@MadisonSawyerTV) February 22, 2024
Conspiracy Theorists are about to have a field day with all these cell phone outages
— Rich (@Crashhefner) February 22, 2024
🚨🇺🇸NO COMMENT FROM AT&T ON CAUSE OF OUTAGE
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2024
People throughout the U.S continue to report problems with cell service across all three major networks, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
San Francisco Dept. of Emergency Management said they're aware of an issue preventing people from… https://t.co/ID6WGEKY0k pic.twitter.com/iUf5eSgjHe
*The situation is developing, and there are no concrete reports on what has triggered widespread cell outages.