On Wednesday, Verizon acknowledged a significant disruption in its mobile services, assuring customers that steps are being taken to restore full functionality as soon as possible.

The outage is predominantly affecting the eastern U.S., with Downdetector—a platform that monitors network outages—showing a surge in reported disruptions shortly after noon Eastern Time. Users from major cities such as New York City, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, and Dallas have reported issues.

For those experiencing problems, Verizon has provided a link for checking network status updates.

Verizon released a statement confirming their awareness of the situation, stating, “We are addressing an issue that is impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineering teams are diligently working to identify and resolve the problem swiftly. We understand the critical nature of reliable connectivity and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., the official alert system has issued a notification regarding the outage, highlighting its effect on users’ ability to reach emergency services via 911.

“OUC is aware of a nationwide Verizon Wireless outage that may be affecting some users to connect with 911. If you have an emergency and can not connect using your Verizon Wireless device, please connect using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police district or fire station to report the emergency.”

If you have an iPhone, SOS mode is simply a way for your phone to tell you that you don’t have a proper cellular connection, meaning you’re only able to call or text emergency services through the cellular network.

iPhone 14 or newer models also have satellite SOS capability, so you’re able to call 911 even when outside of any cellular service range, unless you’re some place where signal can’t get out at all. 

Android phones will also let you call 911 without service, although it’s not called SOS mode.

The SOS icon will appear in the top right corner of an iPhone’s screen when service is unavailable, where your cellular connection bars usually display

On an iPhone 13 or earlier, if you go out of range for any cellular service, the icon will swap to “No service” until you’re back within range. 

SOS mode automatically turns on when there isn’t any cell service available from your phone carrier. If you’re experiencing an outage, you simply have to wait until service is restored to your area. If you have SOS mode activate because you’re out of your network’s coverage area, you’ll have to travel back inside the coverage area before you can make calls. 

Although SOS mode indicates you don’t have cellular service, it doesn’t mean the phone is useless. Most modern phones allow calling, texting and internet browsing over wi-fi. So if you have an internet connection through a wi-fi signal, you’ll be able to use your phone like normal. You’ll only be able to contact other phones that are on a wi-fi network while in SOS mode. 

Wi-Fi calling is a built-in feature on most Android devices and iPhones and can be turned on under the phone’s settings.

If Wi-Fi isn’t available, there are few options for cell phone users. It’s possible to switch services if a phone is unlocked, but that requires signing up online and porting your phone number.

Some apps, including Google Maps, have limited service offline. Payment apps also do not use a phone’s cell service to work and should also be useable.