Time: 2024-07-19
Hundreds of Arizona cellphone users were affected by a telecommunication outage on Thursday morning . AT&T customers were among those most impacted , followed by Cricket Wireless users . The surge in outage reports began around 5 a.m. and was still increasing as of 7:45 a.m. Arizona time on Thursday . Estimates showed that more than 300 AT&T customers and dozens more from Cricket Wireless were affected.
The website Downdetector.com showed significant impacts in Arizona , with nearly one - fourth of reports coming from the Phoenix area . Other cities largely impacted by the outage included Houston , Texas ; Charlotte , North Carolina ; Chicago ; and New York City . If you get your cellphone service from these providers and own an iPhone device , on Thursday morning you likely saw an SOS icon at the top of your screen , where the cellphone service usually displays . Here 's what it means and how to fix it.
An SOS symbol appeared on the screens of iPhone users with AT&T , where cell service bars are normally shown . According to Apple support , if you 're having trouble with phone service and you see SOS or " SOS only " in the status bar , it means your device can still make emergency calls despite not being connected to a phone network . " When you make a call with SOS , your iPhone automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location information with emergency services , " according to Apple . " In some countries and regions , you might need to choose the service that you need . If your cellular issue has been solved and you still ca n't connect to a cellular network , contact Apple support.
The outage not only affected Arizona but also other cities like Houston , Charlotte , Chicago , and New York City . The outage reports were widespread , causing inconvenience to many cellphone users . If you are experiencing trouble with your phone service , it is essential to know what the SOS symbol on your iPhone means and how to address the issue . Apple support recommends contacting them if you are still unable to connect to a cellular network even after resolving your cellular problem.
During the outage , many iPhone users with AT&T saw the SOS icon on their screens , indicating a loss of regular cellphone service . Despite this , the device can still place emergency calls and share location information with emergency services . It is crucial to understand the implications of seeing an SOS symbol on your phone and how to handle such situations promptly.
In addition to dealing with cellphone outages , Arizona residents also face challenges with overheating phones in the state 's high temperatures . It is essential to take precautions to prevent your phone from overheating in extreme weather conditions . By following specific guidelines and ensuring proper care of your device , you can avoid potential damage due to overheating issues . Stay informed about the latest updates on cellphone services and take necessary steps to protect your device from overheating in Arizona 's hot climate.