Vandals deliberately cut multiple fiber lines, triggering widespread Verizon wireless and internet outages across Southern California on Sunday. Verizon confirmed intentional physical damage and said repairs were underway, expecting partial restoration by early evening. Downdetector logged more than 12,000 outage reports, though the true number affected is likely higher, and many customers voiced frustration on social media. The outage follows other recent telecom disruptions in California, including copper thefts that hit AT&T and a recent T‑Mobile outage.
Vandals Cut Fiber Lines, Triggering Major Verizon Outage Across Southern California
Verizon Wireless store with people walking by.
Verizon customers across Southern California experienced widespread wireless and internet outages on Sunday after vandals deliberately cut multiple fiber lines, severing service for residents and disrupting emergency communications across the region.
The disruption affected users in Los Angeles and neighboring communities, with reports of service loss emerging early Sunday in the San Fernando Valley and spreading beyond that area.
Verizon customers across Southern California faced widespread service outages Sunday.
Company Response and Public-Safety Concerns
A Verizon spokesperson confirmed the outages were caused by intentional physical damage to critical communications infrastructure but declined to disclose the precise locations of the cuts or the total number of subscribers affected.
"Vandals cut multiple fiber cables causing a service interruption for some mobility and internet customers in Southern California. Repairs are underway and we expect service will be restored by early this evening local time," the company said.
"These are not simple property crimes; they are dangerous disruptions that cut off vital lifelines for our first responders and public safety officials who rely on constant connectivity," the spokesperson added.
Impact And User Reaction
Downdetector recorded more than 12,000 outage reports following the incident, though the actual number of customers affected is likely substantially higher. California is home to nearly 8 million Verizon subscribers, and many residents experienced interruptions to personal and business communications.
Vandals targeted and cut multiple fiber lines, leaving residents and emergency networks disconnected across the region. Christopher Sadowski
Frustrated users took to X and other social platforms to describe extended "SOS" status messages, financial losses, and concerns about emergency access. Examples of posts included reports of being without service for hours, calls for local leaders to respond, and long-time customers saying they may switch providers after repeated outages.
Context: Other Recent Telecom Disruptions
Verizon is not the only carrier to have faced problems in California this year. In April, copper thieves in rural Sonoma County severed power lines and stripped wiring from AT&T utility poles in a crime spree that left residents without phone and internet service. Two weeks ago, T-Mobile also experienced outages that left thousands of users on "SOS" mode across multiple states.
Affected customers in SoCal are advised to check Verizon's official network status page for real-time updates. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post
What Affected Customers Should Do
Verizon customers impacted by the outage were advised to check Verizon's official network status page for real-time updates specific to their neighborhoods. Users should also consider alternative ways to contact emergency services if cellular networks are unavailable, such as landlines, VoIP if powered and connected, or going to a nearby location with working connectivity. Keep devices charged and follow local public-safety guidance.
Note: Repairs were reported to be underway and Verizon expected service restoration by early evening local time, though timelines for full restoration may vary by location.
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