Verizon Nationwide Outage: September 30, 2024, Cause Speculation

A Ten Hour Nationwide Verizon Outage

Update: Today’s outage impacted over 105,000 Verizon customers across the country. It started approximately at 9:04 AM and ended around 6:47 PM lasting about 9 hours 42 minutes.

No SIM Card Error Yesterday

This may or may not be a clue. Yesterday on September 29, 2024, I noticed something strange, my phone reported that it had no SIM card, but it did have the same SIM card it has always had. After a few restarts it realized that it was mistaken. Then today, there is this outage. Are these incidents connected?

ChatGPT says there is no credible evidence linking the “No SIM” error to surveillance activities, in other words, the SIM error and this outage are probably not due to some massive hardware upgrades to secretly install virtual SIM cards to tap all phone data at the source.

Here’s what my remote viewing of this turned up, call it a wild hunch: Starlink is planning to join with Verizon to provide backup service in the event of tower outages, for example, and this required SIM flash updates as well as a real world mass outage test to prepare for possible World War scenarios. This partnership is a huge gain for Verizon in knowing more about its customers who use StarLink and for StarLink it gives a new level of access to real-time people as dots on a map. This is just some fun speculation at this point.

Starlink-to-Verizon Current Status

• Starlink’s Initiative: SpaceX plans to launch a “Direct to Cell” service, allowing mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites. This aims to provide coverage in areas with poor or no cellular service.
• Collaboration with Carriers: While T-Mobile has been prominently mentioned as a partner for this service, Verizon has also expressed interest in potential collaborations. However, specific details on a formal partnership have not been confirmed.

Starlink-to-Verizon Technical Considerations

• Wi-Fi Calling: Users currently can utilize Starlink’s internet service for Wi-Fi calling with Verizon phones. This allows calls and texts to be sent over the internet when cellular signals are weak or unavailable.
• Interference Concerns: Both AT&T and Verizon have raised concerns about potential interference from Starlink’s proposed cellular service, arguing it could degrade their network performance. They have submitted letters to the FCC urging caution regarding SpaceX’s plans.

Understanding Remote Flashing of SIM Cards

1. Definition: Remote flashing refers to the process of updating or modifying the firmware or software on a SIM card from a remote location, usually by the carrier or service provider.
2. Purpose: This can be done for various reasons, including:
   • Updating Security Features: To enhance security protocols and prevent unauthorized access.
   • Enabling New Services: To activate new features or services that the carrier may offer.
   • Fixing Bugs: To resolve issues or bugs that may affect the performance of the SIM card.
3. Carrier Control: Only authorized carriers have the capability to remotely flash SIM cards. They can push updates or changes to the SIM card settings without requiring physical access to the card.
4. Not Common for Spying: While remote flashing is technically possible, it is primarily used for legitimate purposes by carriers. There is no widespread evidence that this method is used for surveillance on individual users.

Addressing Interference Concerns

The concerns raised by Verizon and AT&T regarding potential interference from SpaceX’s Starlink cellular service could potentially be addressed through the use of SIM card flashes, although this approach would be complex and not without challenges. Here’s how it could work:

1. Dynamic Frequency Adjustment:  If SIM cards can be remotely flashed, they could be programmed to dynamically adjust their operational frequencies based on real-time network conditions. This means that if Starlink’s service is causing interference on certain frequencies, the SIM could switch to alternative bands that are less affected. This would require sophisticated technology to monitor interference levels and adjust accordingly, potentially minimizing the impact on users.

2. Enhanced Signal Processing: Flashing the SIM card could enable enhanced signal processing capabilities, allowing devices to better filter out noise or interference caused by Starlink’s signals. This would help maintain call quality and data throughput even in challenging conditions. New algorithms could be implemented via a flash to improve how devices handle overlapping signals from both terrestrial networks and satellite sources.

3. Collaboration with Carriers: Carriers like Verizon could work with SpaceX to develop specific profiles for their SIM cards that account for potential interference from Starlink. These profiles could include predefined settings that prioritize certain frequencies or adjust power levels to minimize cross-talk. Before widespread deployment, these adjustments would need rigorous testing to ensure compliance with FCC regulations and to verify that they effectively mitigate interference.

Challenges and Considerations

– Regulatory Approval: Any changes made through flashing would need to comply with FCC regulations, which currently govern frequency use and interference standards.
– Technical Feasibility: The technology for such dynamic adjustments must be robust enough to handle real-time changes without negatively impacting user experience.
– Industry Collaboration: Successful implementation would require cooperation between SpaceX, Verizon, and other stakeholders to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

 

Verizon Countrywide Outage Today

On September 30, 2024, Verizon experienced a significant nationwide outage affecting over 100,000 customers. Reports of service disruptions began around 7:15 AM ET, peaking at approximately 11 AM before tapering off slightly. Major cities affected include:

• Chicago
• Phoenix
• Los Angeles
• Indianapolis
• Minneapolis
• Omaha
• Cincinnati
• Denver
• Seattle
• Columbus

Verizon Message

Verizon Update: “Verizon engineers have fully restored today’s network disruption that impacted some customers. Service has returned to normal levels.  If you are still having issues, we recommend restarting your device. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience.  We appreciate your patience.”

About four hours ago at the time of this update, Verizon had posted on X: “We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.”

 

User Experience and SOS Mode

Many users reported their phones displaying “SOS mode,” which indicates that the device is unable to connect to the cellular network but can still make emergency calls through other networks. This feature is designed to ensure access to emergency services even when regular connectivity is unavailable.

 

Cause of the Outage

The exact cause of the outage has not been confirmed by Verizon, but there have been several speculations. Here are some possible causes people have mentioned:

1.  Human error: The most common cause, possibly related to an update gone wrong that was intended to expand the network or upgrade speeds.
2. Cyberattack: A hacking event or malicious action.
3. Emergency upgrades that required simultaneous mass outages and were worth taking the reputational hit for.
4. Disaster damage: The outage may be related to severe weather conditions, specifically Hurricane Helene, which impacted parts of the U.S. Southeast around the same time.
5. Hardware Malfunction: Failure of critical hardware components in Verizon’s network infrastructure could lead to cascading issues across the system.
6. Major System Failure: A critical failure in Verizon’s core network infrastructure, such as issues with central servers, data centers, or routing systems, could cause widespread disruptions.
7. Network Congestion: An unexpected surge in network traffic, possibly due to a major event or cyberattack, could overwhelm Verizon’s systems.
8. Authentication System Failure: As speculated in one of the Reddit comments, there might have been an issue with Verizon’s eSIM authentication system, though this doesn’t fully explain the scope of the outage.
9. A Mass Censorship Event: Some speculated that there was some major news that had to be stopped and this was done by someone with control of the Verizon network who shut everything down to kill a news story. As a variation of this, code set to censor a story followed every possible person who might hear it and took them off of the network.
10. An A.I. Event: There was speculation that a rogue artificial intelligence began to assert itself into the Verizon infrastructure and the outage was necessary to purge it from the system.

The company acknowledged a “technical issue” and stated that their engineering teams were working diligently to resolve the problem.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) posted on X/Twitter that it will be investigating the outage.

Current Status and Updates

As of now, Verizon is actively investigating the issue and has encouraged users to report their specific locations for better assistance. They have expressed their commitment to restoring services as quickly as possible and are providing updates through their official channels.

1. [Downdetector] – A reliable source for real-time outage reports specifically for Verizon and other major services.

2. [Verizon’s Official Twitter] – Follow for direct updates and responses from Verizon regarding service issues.

3. [Verizon Support Page] – Check for official announcements and troubleshooting tips.

4. [Outage.Report] – Community-driven site where users report and track outages, including Verizon.

5. [Is It Down Right Now?] – Quickly check if Verizon is down for everyone or just you.

6. [PowerOutage.us] – While primarily for power outages, it can provide insights into service disruptions affecting connectivity.

7. [Reddit – r/verizon] – A community forum where users share their experiences and updates about outages.

8. [TechRadar Live Blog] – Offers ongoing updates and coverage of the Verizon outage situation.

9. [Verizon’s Official Facebook Page]- Another platform for real-time updates from Verizon.

10. [Local News Websites] (like NBC Chicago) – Often provide localized reports on service disruptions, including Verizon outages in specific areas.

 

Previous Significant Outages

This incident adds to a series of notable outages in 2024, including:

• February: Millions of AT&T customers were affected due to a network configuration error.
• April: Widespread 911 outages impacted four states.
• July: A global cybersecurity update by CrowdStrike caused significant disruptions for Microsoft users.

 

Read More
^{[1] https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/is-verizon-down-verizon-outage-chicago-sos-mode-statement-when-will-it-be-fixed/3560909/
[2] https://www.techradar.com/news/live/verizon-outage-live-blog
[3] https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/verizon-outage-chicago-is-verizon-down-what-is-sos-mode/3560804/
[4] https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/09/30/verizon-outage-michigan-detroit/75452567007/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbmgJkxYXAQ
[6] https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/over-100000-verizon-customers-hit-us-service-outage
[7] https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/live/massive-verizon-outage-live-updates-and-what-to-do-with-iphone-in-sos
[8] https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/verizon-outage-wireless-carrier-aware-issue-impacting-service-thousands-users-report-problems
[9] https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/30/tech/verizon-outage/index.html
[10] https://outage.report/us/verizon
[11] https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-starlink-cellular-interference-att-verizon-fcc-complaint/
[12] https://www.pcmag.com/news/att-verizon-tell-fcc-to-reject-spacex-plan-for-cellular-starlink
[13] https://spacenews.com/omnispace-reports-interference-from-starlink-direct-to-device-payloads/
[14] https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/16/att_verizon_starlink/
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink_Support/comments/1daatfj/to_use_starlink_for_cell_phone/
[16] https://community.verizon.com/t5/Other-Network-Discussions/No-signal-at-home-3-years-now-I-have-to-pay-for-starlink-wifi-to/m-p/1749166
[17] https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/30/tech/verizon-outage/index.html
[18] https://www.switchful.com/compare/internet/starlink-vs-verizon-fios}