Verizon Service Restored After Vandals Cut Fiber Lines in Southern California

Verizon customers across Southern California experienced widespread service outages on Sunday, August 9, 2026, after vandals cut multiple fiber optic lines, disrupting mobile and internet connectivity for an undisclosed number of users. The company confirmed the vandalism triggered the interruption, with outages first reported in the San Fernando Valley before spreading to other areas. Service was restored by 7:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a Verizon spokesperson.

The disruption began Sunday morning, with customers reporting phones stuck in SOS emergency satellite mode. Verizon engineers worked alongside third-party vendors to repair the damaged lines. The company did not disclose the exact locations targeted or the total number of customers affected, though more than 12,000 outage reports were registered on the Downdetector tracking site that afternoon. Verizon stated that law enforcement has become involved in the investigation.

Verizon emphasized the severity of the incident, describing it as a direct threat to public safety. "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...