Expert warns solar flare caused mass AT&T mobile network outage

22 February 2024 , 16:45

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The idea that a solar flare caused the outage has been largely ruled out by a space weather expert (Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

An expert has said concerns that the mass mobile signal outage could be down to the arrival of a solar flare in the Earth's atmosphere is unlikely.

There is a historical precedent for this occurring back in 1972, but that hit physical landlines, while mobile signals are very different. While most of the solar flares generated by storm activity occur with no noticeable effect on our day-to-day activities, they can, however, interfere with mobile phone signals and radio systems from time to time.

However, space weather expert Brooks Garner told Fox News that this incident, affecting mainly AT&T customers, but also other networks, is more likely to have been caused by a SIM card database registry issue. A number of people had already jumped in suggesting the sun may have had a hand in the outage, including KSAT 12 meteorologist Justin Home, after NASA reported that a solar flare happened at around midnight.

Home said the "timing is interesting", adding: "Yes, there was a strong solar flare reported around midnight. But, is it connected to the cell phone outage? Not impossible and the timing is interesting, but not sure we can say that just yet. We'll keep investigating!"

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Solar flares have been known to have an impact on electronics, including mobile phone masts (AFP via Getty Images)

But according to Garner: "Now, it is possible the X_class flare had impacts to the voltage on some electronics, but since this is so specific to AT&T and not other carriers, it's likely not space-weather related." NASA defines solar flares as intense bursts of radiation stemming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots.

The solar flare incident in 1972 affected AT&T's landlines, inducing voltage fluctuations along physical lines. Solar flares are considered the largest explosive phenomena in our solar system and appear as bright areas on the sun that can last from minutes to hours. The flares often light up the sky with colourful displays known as the northern and southern lights. NASA monitors these occurrences primarily through X-rays and optical light observations.

The fact AT&T were mainly affected points to a different reason for the outage than a solar flare (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Solar flares do affect radio communications to a certain extent by interfering with the active frequencies of communication systems, particularly high frequency radios and transceivers. HF and VHF radio propagation is highly affected by the effects of solar flares and mobile networks use high frequencies to propagate their signals around countries via a network of masts.

AT&T told Fox 35: "Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored." The outage, initially flagged by Downdetector close to 4am, is still a problem for many users who continue to experience service disruptions.

Paul Donald