Network’s Down – Now What?

By Chapin Mower on February 27, 2024

As we continue to navigate a world with an increasing dependence on technology, I tend to wonder, at times, how we would operate if our technological foundations became comprised.  For me, the first question that comes to mind: what do we do if our telecommunication networks shut down?  How would we communicate, for both business and personal reasons? 

On Thursday February 22^nd, this fear became a reality for some 70,000 A&T customers across major cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York.  The first reports of network outages were reported around 3:30 am Eastern time and the network was not fully operational until 7 hours later at around 10:30 am Eastern time.  If your cellphone provider’s network shuts down with no explanation and you need to make a call, but are unsure what to do – we’ve got the answer for you.   If you are a subscriber to the New York Times, you can read their article here.  If you aren’t a subscriber, I have included a brief breakdown on the actions available if you need to make a call when your cellular service is on the fritz. 

1. Call on Wi-Fi
   1. In order to do this, you have to make sure that “Wi-Fi Calling” is turned on in your settings in your phone.  First, go into your Settings app, then click “Cellular.”  From there, you will want to click on “Wi-Fi Calling” and make sure that is toggled on so you see green.

1. Use an app
   1. WhatsApp, Meta’s Messenger app and Facetime are all applications that allow you to make calls using Wi-Fi instead of cellular service.
2. In an emergency, use SOS
   1. If you need to call 911, there is another option – the SOS feature on many iPhones. When you activate SOS, the phone will automatically call the local emergency number and will report your location information. It will also alert any emergency contacts you have set up. iPhone models 14 and later will make the call using satellites, even if cell service and Wi-Fi are unavailable. It’s important that you use this feature only in an emergency. You can’t jump on it just to call Grandma.
3. 4. Use a landline*
   1. *if you still have one!  Me personally, I miss the landline days.  So much so, I think I might be convincing myself to install one in my apartment as I write this. 

On a lighter note, we are not “doomsday preppers” here at HMA, but we do strive to provide comfort to our family of clients when things go awry, or not exactly as expected.  So, in this case, if your cellular service hits the fritz, you now know what your contingency plan is to make a call: get on Wi-Fi.  Having a plan in place for the unexpected – that’s HMA.

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