Law enforcement agencies in four states were thrown into disarray after a massive 911 call that left millions unable to contact authorities late Wednesday.
Most power outages reported in Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota and Texas were restored by the evening. Officials have not disclosed the exact cause of the outage, but it comes after the Department of Homeland Security warned that the risk of cyberattacks on 911 services is increasing as the system transitions to internet-based systems.
“We are aware of reports of 911-related outages and are currently investigating,” the Federal Communications Commission wrote on Thursday morning.
Less than two months after AT&T's massive outage left thousands without service in multiple states and affected some 911 calls for several hours, the carrier He said this was likely caused by a process error rather than a cyber attack.
local law enforcement South Dakota reported a statewide power outage Wednesday just before 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET). Rapid City Police Department provided local residents with an alternate phone number to call first responders, and service was provided. restored About 2 hours later.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety said on wednesday In the evening, “texting 9-1-1 is in place in most locations” as an option to contact authorities.
In Nevada, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced at around 7:00 p.m. local time (10:00 p.m. ET) that “911 is experiencing a power outage and is currently unable to contact anyone.'' Local residents were urged to dial 911 on their mobile devices so dispatch staff could check and return the call, he said, adding that calls from landlines “are not working at this time.”
Calls were working again by 9pm (midnight ET). “All those who called during the power outage were recalled and provided assistance,” the ministry said.
The Chase County, Nebraska, Sheriff's Office announced that “911 has been suspended throughout Nebraska” for all cell phone carriers except T-Mobile, and landlines can still reach 911. .
Del Rio, Texas, police said the issue was “with the carrier, not the City of Del Rio's systems.”
NBC News has reached out to major cell phone companies for comment.