AT&T Inc. (T) experienced a software glitch on Tuesday, causing a disruption in wireless service for some users. The issue began around 5 p.m. ET and peaked at 7 p.m. ET, according to Downdetector. The outage affected several major cities, including Dallas, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and New York City, but it was not nationwide.
The timing of the outage is particularly noteworthy given AT&T’s recent financial performance and market activities. In late July, the company reported its second-quarter results, demonstrating growth and profitability. AT&T added 997,000 wireless customers during the quarter, although it slightly missed revenue estimates. Despite this, AT&T remains a popular choice among dividend investors due to its high yield.
The outage’s impact extended beyond typical service disruptions, as government entities across the country reported that the issue might have affected the ability of some AT&T customers to call 911. Cities like Pinole, California, and North Little Rock, Arkansas, confirmed the issue but later reported that service had been restored.
AT&T acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it had resolved the software problem that caused the disruption. In a statement to CNN, an AT&T spokesperson said, “We’ve resolved a software issue that disrupted the ability of a limited number of our customers to connect to our wireless network. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to resolve this issue.”
The incident highlights the potential consequences of software glitches, particularly in a world increasingly reliant on technology. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of reliable communication networks, especially when it comes to emergency services.
In the aftermath of the outage, AT&T’s stock closed at $19.65 on Tuesday, down 0.56% for the day. While the stock dipped slightly in pre-market trading, it has gained 13.91% year to date. Despite the service disruption, AT&T continues to hold a strong position in the market, showcasing its resilience and ongoing commitment to providing reliable communication services.
