BREAKING: An extensive outage affecting Verizon and Xfinity customers in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) has left many without phone and internet service. The disruption began shortly before 4 p.m. on September 29, 2023, and lasted until approximately 8:30 p.m., impacting areas from the Back Mountain to the Wyoming Valley and parts of Lackawanna County.
Authorities are confirming that the outage is likely due to severe weather conditions. Luzerne County 911 stated on Facebook, “We’re receiving reports of spotty phone service around the county, especially with Verizon and possibly other carriers.” Customers have been left in the dark, with many businesses struggling to operate during this critical time.
In a message addressing the situation, Xfinity attributed the service interruption to “severe weather in or around your area,” highlighting the immediate impact on local businesses that rely on phone and credit card systems for transactions.
Some establishments, like CK’s Cantina & Grill in Dallas, were forced to adapt quickly, announcing via Facebook, “Our phones and internet are out but we’re still here and open for cash customers, so come see us!” The restaurant’s determination to serve its community underlines the human impact of this outage.
Residents are now facing challenges beyond mere inconvenience. Many individuals are unable to make emergency calls, and businesses are left scrambling to process transactions. The urgency of the situation has prompted local officials to monitor the outages closely, advising customers to stay updated via social media for the latest information.
As recovery efforts continue, customers are encouraged to report any ongoing issues to their service providers and seek alternative means of communication if necessary.
What happens next remains critical. As weather conditions improve, both Verizon and Xfinity are expected to provide further updates on service restoration. Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent situation as NEPA grapples with the fallout from this significant outage.
