On Thursday, AT&T mobile network users across the United States experienced a significant outage, leaving many unable to make calls or access mobile services. Reports flooded Down Detector, a platform tracking real-time outages, showing a massive surge in complaints about the network glitch. Meanwhile, users took to social media to voice their frustration, with many reporting that their phones unexpectedly displayed “SOS mode.”
Extent of the Outage
At the peak of the issue, Down Detector recorded as many as 3,947 reports from users unable to access AT&T services. Although the number of complaints has since dropped to around 1,980, many users are still grappling with connectivity issues.
Key affected areas included:
- Maryville
- Johnson City
- Los Angeles
- Nashville
- Atlanta
- Kingsport
- Dallas
- Sevierville
A breakdown of the complaints revealed that 62% of users reported problems with mobile service, primarily phones displaying SOS mode. Another 27% complained of having no signal, and 14% faced issues with landline internet.
I have ZERO cellular service in east TN. Wtf @ATT ??? Why is SOS showing on my phone?! https://t.co/7bNygmwM5X
— LadyPatriot 🍊#Trump2024 (@Pete2Shawn) January 10, 2025
User Reactions on Social Media
Frustrated customers flooded social media platforms, sharing their experiences of being disconnected without warning. Here’s what some users had to say:
“I have ZERO cellular service in east TN. Wtf @ATT??? Why is SOS showing on my phone?!”
“AT&T outage in Knoxville, TN? Got two phones in different parts of the city reading SOS only,” another user commented.
“@ATT why is my phone in SOS mode all of a sudden as well as everyone else on my account?”
Others expressed frustration with the lack of communication from AT&T. One user tweeted:
“My first time getting SOS in Tennessee AT&T chat support queue 58-minute wait. @ATT bot support swears no outage in my area…..curious.”
@ATT any outages?
— Ben Sooter (@bensooter) January 10, 2025
AT&T’s Response
While AT&T’s support account responded to individual posts acknowledging the problem, the company has yet to release an official statement about the outage. This lack of transparency has left many customers feeling dissatisfied, especially as some struggled to access critical services during the downtime.
My first time getting SOS in Tennessee
AT&T chat support que 58 minute wait.@ATT bot support swears no outage in my area…..curious. pic.twitter.com/RVqvLR2BAj
— Matthew Turner (@MbtHawk) January 10, 2025
What Is ‘SOS Mode’?
The “SOS mode” display on phones typically means the device is unable to connect to its carrier’s network but can still make emergency calls. For many users, this unexpected status raised concerns about whether the outage was related to a technical issue or maintenance on AT&T’s end.
As of now, the number of affected users has decreased, but the outage highlights the vulnerabilities of mobile networks and the frustration caused when services are disrupted without explanation. AT&T users nationwide are awaiting an official explanation and a resolution to ensure reliable connectivity moving forward.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….