Verizon Grants $20 Credit to Customers Hit by Major Wireless Outage
Verizon Communications has announced a compensation initiative for customers affected by a significant wireless outage. On January 14, the company experienced a 10-hour service disruption, attributed to a software issue, impacting numerous customers across several states.
Details of the Outage
The outage primarily affected users in:
- Northeast U.S.
- Southern California
- Texas
- Parts of the Midwest
Verizon clarified that the disruption was not the result of a cyberattack. The issue was resolved around 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT), restoring normal operations for its customers.
Compensation for Affected Customers
In response to the outage, Verizon is offering affected customers a $20 account credit. This decision was made as a gesture of goodwill after acknowledging that the company did not meet its customer service standards.
Verizon stated, “To help provide some relief to those affected, we are giving customers a $20 account credit.” Customers experiencing ongoing issues are encouraged to restart their devices to reconnect to Verizon’s network.
Government Response and Public Safety Alerts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated it will review the situation. Brendan Carr, the Chair of the FCC, emphasized the agency’s commitment to examining the outage and determining any necessary actions.
As a precaution, several major cities issued alerts advising residents to use alternative carriers for emergency calls. New York City specifically warned that the outage could hinder users’ ability to reach 911. Residents were instructed to use landlines or visit local police or fire stations in emergencies.
Impact on Users
During the outage, Downdetector recorded approximately 2.2 million reports related to service disruptions. Many users reported issues with their devices showing “SOS” mode, echoing problems from a previous nationwide outage affecting over 100,000 users in late 2024.
Authorities eventually lifted the alerts after service was restored to normal levels. Verizon recognizes the importance of reliable communication, especially during emergencies, and is taking steps to restore customer trust.
