Verizon’s software issue disrupts wireless service nationwide

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Verizon customers across the United States reported significant disruptions to their wireless service. As complaints flooded social media and services like DownDetector, many users noted that their mobile devices were limited to SOS mode for several hours. This mode allows users to make emergency calls while struggling to connect to the network. Reports of the outage indicated that the issues began around 12 p.m. Eastern Time and peaked at approximately 3:30 p.m., with nearly 23,000 complaints logged by that time. Customers voiced frustration, claiming that the impact was widespread rather than limited to just 'some customers.' Verizon acknowledged the occurrence of a software issue affecting certain customers and stated that their engineers were actively investigating the situation. In a formal communication, the company reiterated its commitment to resolving the issues as swiftly as possible, directing users to their Check Network Status page for ongoing updates related to service areas. The situation surrounding the outage mirrored a significant incident from October 2024, when Verizon faced a similar network breakdown that saw over 100,000 reports of service failures. The geographical spread of complaints spanned from California to Florida, underlining the extensive effect of the service disruptions across the nation. Users expressed concern over their reliance on the Verizon network, highlighting how crucial such services are in both everyday life and emergencies. While Verizon attempted to downplay the scope of the outage, numerous comments from customers indicated an urgent need for transparency and timely updates regarding restoration efforts. As the day progressed, the company faced pressure from users seeking acknowledgment of the situation and assurance that it would be addressed. In summary, the recent outage not only disrupted essential communication services but also fueled public dissatisfaction with the company’s handling of network reliability. The incident raised questions about Verizon's infrastructure, its preparedness for such incidents, and its responsiveness to customer needs during critical service interruptions.