Key Takeaways
- Verizon experienced a hours-long outage on Jan. 14, impacting over a million customers
- The cause of the outage is attributed to a software issue, with the company conducting a full review
- Verizon will issue $20 credits to affected customers, which can be redeemed in the myVerizon app
- Mobile network outages can be caused by various factors, including technical glitches, server failures, infrastructure damage, or cyberattacks
Introduction to the Verizon Outage
The recent Verizon outage, which occurred on Jan. 14, has left many customers wondering about the cause of the disruption. The outage, which lasted for roughly 10 hours, impacted over a million customers, with many reporting that their phones had entered SOS-only mode. According to Downdetector, an outage-tracking aggregator, more than 1.5 million Verizon customers experienced wireless and data outages on Jan. 14. Verizon has since apologized for the disruption, stating that they "let many of our customers down" and are truly sorry.
Causes of the Outage
A Verizon spokesperson has attributed the outage to a software issue, with the company conducting a full review of what happened. Outages with cell service providers like Verizon are not uncommon, but the scope of the disruption can vary greatly. For example, in August 2025, roughly 11,000 customers reported issues in what Verizon described as a "software-related" outage. Similarly, a widespread Verizon outage in September 2024 impacted more than 100,000 people and was reportedly probed by the Federal Communications Commission. Mobile network outages can be caused by various factors, including technical glitches, server failures, infrastructure damage, or cyberattacks, according to AT&T, a Verizon competitor.
Understanding Mobile Network Outages
A mobile network outage, such as the one that occurred on Jan. 14, is an "unexpected disruption that prevents service to many cell sites at the same time," according to Verizon’s website. This type of outage can be caused by a range of factors, including technical glitches, server failures, infrastructure damage, or cyberattacks. Technical glitches can occur due to software or hardware issues, while server failures can be caused by overload or maintenance issues. Infrastructure damage can be caused by natural disasters or physical damage to cell towers, while cyberattacks can be caused by malicious actors targeting the network. Understanding the causes of mobile network outages is crucial in preventing and mitigating future disruptions.
Verizon’s Response to the Outage
Verizon has taken steps to address the outage, including issuing $20 credits to customers who were impacted by the disruption. The credit can be redeemed in the myVerizon app, and customers will receive a text when it is available. According to Verizon, "this credit isn’t meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can. But it’s a way of acknowledging your time and showing that this matters to us." This gesture is a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to customers and showing that the company is committed to making things right.
Preventing Future Outages
To prevent future outages, Verizon will need to conduct a thorough review of its systems and infrastructure. This will involve identifying the root cause of the software issue that led to the outage and implementing measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This may involve investing in new technologies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and implementing more robust testing and maintenance procedures. By taking these steps, Verizon can reduce the risk of future outages and ensure that its customers receive reliable and uninterrupted service.
Conclusion
The Verizon outage on Jan. 14 was a significant disruption that impacted over a million customers. While the cause of the outage has been attributed to a software issue, the company is conducting a full review to understand what happened. Verizon has taken steps to address the outage, including issuing $
