Widespread Cellular Outage Affects Baldwin County and Beyond

R. Ken Cooper • February 22, 2024

Cellular Disruptions Affect U.S. Emergency Calls

Cellular Disruptions Affect U.S. Emergency Calls

UPDATE at 8:30am: On Thursday morning, a significant disruption was reported in AT&T's network, affecting cellular and internet services across the United States, as noted by the outage monitoring website Downdetector. Verizon responded to the situation Thursday morning, stating that while the outages were not directly affecting their network, their customers were experiencing difficulties when attempting to connect with users on the affected carrier. Similarly, T-Mobile announced early Thursday that its network had not experienced any outages and was functioning as usual. The company suggested that the Downdetector statistics probably indicate attempts by its customers to contact individuals on the networks that were experiencing disruptions.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Baldwin County, Alabama, is currently grappling with a significant network outage, impacting residents' ability to connect with emergency services. The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency has issued a local alert, informing the community of a network disruption specifically affecting AT&T users. This outage has raised concerns over potential delays in 9-1-1 response times. The agency urges those affected to remain patient, noting that the issue is beyond local control and that there is currently no estimated time for when services will be restored. Updates are promised as soon as more information becomes available.


This incident is part of a larger cellular outage that has struck various parts of the United States, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon users all experiencing disruptions. According to Downdetector.com, a website that monitors service outages by analyzing status reports from various sources, including user-submitted issues, the problem is widespread. Data from Downdetector highlighted a peak in AT&T outage reports, reaching 31,931 around 4:30 a.m. ET. The platform also logged over 800 service outages for Verizon and T-Mobile.


The cause of the outage has not been disclosed. This situation points out the vulnerability of network infrastructures and the cascading effects such disruptions can have on emergency services and everyday life.


Residents of Baldwin County and affected areas across the United States are advised to stay informed through local news sources and emergency management updates. In the event of an emergency, individuals are reminded to use alternative communication methods if possible and to report any network-related issues to their service providers.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Baldwin County Schools Ranked Among Top 25 in Alabama
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County Public Schools has earned a spot among the Top 25 school districts in Alabama, according to Niche, a website that ranks schools based on academics, teachers, and student outcomes. The recognition highlights the district’s dedication to educational quality and student...
2025 Shrimp Fest Live Music Lineup Includes Funk and Throwback Hits
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores will offer four days of live music and entertainment starting with two main stages filled with local and touring artists. Performers will play a mix of country, rock, blues, jazz, and R&B for visitors. Festival admission is free. Guests can enjoy n
Kids Win Fishing Event Set for September at The Wharf
By OBA Staff July 26, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Children across the Gulf Coast will soon have the chance to cast their lines and reel in big memories as the “Kids Win” fishing event returns to Orange Beach. Held at The Wharf, the family-friendly event will include both fishing and fun activities geared toward young anglers. Parents and l
Bay Watch Boat Ramp
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Weeks Bay, Ala. — (OBA) — The Bay Watch Public Boat Ramp in Baldwin County, Alabama, is now open again after a period of closure for major parking improvements. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) finished the upgrades this month, which are expected to help local anglers, boaters...
Traffic Lights - Stock Image
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Drivers in Orange Beach can expect a new traffic signal at a busy crossroads soon. The intersection of Canal Road and Wharf Parkway East, close to Culver's restaurant, will see new traffic lights in the coming weeks. Officials believe this change will make the area safer for both drivers an
Partnership Focuses on Gulf Environment Protection
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Auburn University and Orange Beach officials celebrated a major breakthrough Thursday with the start of construction on a new research station. The facility, backed by Auburn's engineering college, is expected to boost environmental studies along the Gulf Coast. Leaders from the university
Gulf Shores hurricane decals
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Police Department released details on its Hurricane Decal program. Police Chief Dan Netemeyer explained the system for property owners. These decals are crucial for public safety and convenience. They provide residents with two significant benefits.
Foley students, families, and teachers come together for inaugural alumni meeting
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Sister Cities has taken a big step forward with the launch of its first-ever Global Leaders Alumni Association. The group’s first meeting took place this week at Baumhower’s Victory Grill in Foley. Graduating program students, their families, dedicated teachers, chaperones...
Gulf of America Homeland Security
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Loxley, Ala. — (OBA) — In the past few weeks, several Baldwin County businesses and construction sites have experienced immigration enforcement by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force. This week Federal agents carried out an immigration enforcement operation at the construction site for the new Loxley Eleme
BJ’s Wholesale Club Expands with Foley Store Plans
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents in Foley will soon have a new option for bulk shopping as BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open its second Alabama location in the city. The project was recommended for approval by the Foley Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the retail development. The new store wil
Show More