Verizon users across the country were reporting a widespread outage Monday morning.DownDetector.com, which monitors online complaints about technology outages, saw a spike in the number of users reporting problems texting and calling starting at about 9:30 a.m. ET.Many people reported being stuck in SOS mode on their phone, unable to send messages or place calls.
Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple released a feature that enables users to message emergency services via satellite while outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, or in times of network outages. The messages are relayed directly via satellite to dispatchers that accept text messages or to relay centers staffed by specialists who can call for help on the user’s behalf, FOX News reports. SOS mode will automatically turn off once cellular service is restored.