Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Widespread Verizon Mobile Outage Is Causing Service Disruptions

Marylanders Who Are Experiencing Outages Can Still Contact 9-1-1 In an Emergency

HANOVER, MD (January 14, 2026) — A widespread Verizon mobile outage is affecting customers across the United States, including service disruptions reported in Maryland. Numerous users have reported being stuck in “SOS mode,” preventing standard voice calls and data usage.

According to Verizon’s network status page, “Verizon is aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. [They] are working to restore service quickly.”

Marylanders who are experiencing outages can still contact 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

 

Steps for Affected Maryland Residents Experiencing an Emergency

If you ever experience an emergency while your mobile service is down, follow these steps:

  • Call 911 (Even in SOS Mode): Mobile phones in “SOS mode” are designed to automatically use any available carrier’s network to complete emergency calls, even if your primary service is down.
  • Use Wi-Fi Calling: If you have access to a stable internet connection, enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone’s settings to make voice calls and send texts.
  • Text 911: All jurisdictions in Maryland support text-to-911. If a voice call fails, try sending a brief text message to 911 with your exact location and the nature of the emergency.
  • Satellite Messaging (iPhone 14+): If you are outdoors without Wi-Fi or cellular service, newer iPhones can use Emergency SOS via satellite to contact emergency services.
  • Use A Phone Connected to A Different Carrier: If you have access to a phone or a mobile device from another carrier, attempt to make contact through that method in an emergency situation.
  • Automatic Notification Devices: If you use devices which rely on cellular networks to communicate with emergency services, for example automatic fire alarms or medical alert devices, do not assume these devices will connect with emergency services. In the event of an emergency, call 911.  

To check the status in your area, please visit: https://www.verizon.com/support/check-network-status/  All questions concerning this outage or the status of the network should be directed to Verizon.

 

***END***