URGENT UPDATE: A significant outage of internet and phone services has disrupted customers and businesses across northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) this evening. The issues began shortly before 4 p.m. and lasted until approximately 8:30 p.m., affecting areas from the Back Mountain through the Wyoming Valley and parts of Lackawanna County.
Authorities confirm that the outages primarily impacted customers of Verizon and Xfinity. A statement from the Luzerne County 911 center indicated, “We’re receiving reports of spotty phone service around the county, especially with Verizon and possibly other carriers. These issues are likely weather-related.” The outages left many unable to make calls or access the internet, creating chaos for local businesses.
In a message to its customers, Xfinity attributed the disruptions to “severe weather in or around your area.” This has led to significant challenges for businesses reliant on phone and credit card systems, forcing some to adapt quickly. For example, CK’s Cantina & Grill in Dallas announced on Facebook, “Our phones and internet are out but we’re still here and open for cash customers, so come see us!”
The situation has left residents and businesses scrambling for solutions as they navigate the challenges posed by the outage. Many customers took to social media to express their frustrations and seek updates on when service would be restored.
As of now, there is no official timeline for when full service will resume. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
For those affected, it is advised to keep checking local news sources and social media for the latest developments. As the situation unfolds, the impact on businesses and everyday life in NEPA continues to grow.
Stay tuned for updates as we gather more information on this urgent situation.
