On August 10, 2026, Verizon experienced a significant service outage affecting thousands of customers in Southern California due to vandalized fiber lines. Vandals cut multiple cables, causing interruptions in both mobile and internet services. Verizon reported that repairs were underway and expected full service restoration by Sunday evening. The company emphasized the serious implications of such vandalism, highlighting its threat to public safety by disrupting communications for first responders. Customers expressed frustration, citing the inconvenience caused and the lack of immediate solutions provided by Verizon. Similar service issues had been reported in other cities, including New York and Philadelphia.

TECHNOLOGY

Vandalized fiber lines cause Verizon service outage for thousands of SoCal customers

Abigail Velez Image

ByAbigail Velez KABC logo

Monday, August 10, 2026 1:32AM

Cut fiber lines cause Verizon outage for thousands of SoCal customers

Verizon said vandals cut multiple fiber lines, causing a service interruption for some mobile and internet customers across SoCal.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Verizon says phone service for thousands of customers is affected after vandals cut multiple fiber lines.

The wireless carrier said the vandalism is causing a service interruption for some mobile phone and internet customers across Southern California.

Verizon has not yet specified exactly where the cables were cut or how many customers are affected. Other cities like New York and Philadelphia also reported outages.

Some Eyewitness News colleagues said their Verizon phones had no service, showing only the SOS emergency satellite service on Sunday.

Verizon said repairs are underway, and it expects service to be fully restored at some point on Sunday evening.

"Acts of network theft and vandalism represent a direct threat to the safety and security of our communities. 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," Verizon wrote in a statement.

Eyewitness News spoke with a line of desperate customers out the door at a Verizon location in North Hollywood. Even after the store closed, frustrated customers kept showing up.

"I mean, not too happy, because they're charging us prices this month, every month, and it's costly. And they are saying they have no solution for why we don't have no network. I mean, it's been out all day. Can't reach nobody or anything. My phone's been dead all day," said Jovan Jordan. "I walked to the nearest store here, and they told us there's nothing they can do. They just closed the door in our face. They're charging us x amount of money each month, and then they do this. It's unprofessional, unacceptable."

On Saturday, thousands of other Verizon customers across the country also reported service issues. Verizon says that problem was resolved.

Report a correction or typo

Vandalized fiber lines cause Verizon service outage for thousands of SoCal customers

Vandalized fiber lines cause Verizon service outage for thousands of SoCal customers

Related Topics