AT&T Will Give You A $5 Credit If You Were Hit By Its Network Outage
The carrier said it will apply the credit within two billing cycles for those affected by its widespread service outage.


AT&T wireless customers who were affected by the carrier's widespread network outage last week will receive a $5 credit on their accounts within two billing cycles, the company said in a post on its website.
“We apologize for Thursday’s network outage,” AT&T said in the post. “To help make it right, we’re reaching out to potentially impacted customers and we’re proactively applying a credit to their accounts.”
The $5 credit will not apply to AT&T Business, AT&T Prepaid or Cricket customers, however, AT&T said. The company said that, for the portion of AT&T Business consumer and small business customers most affected by the outage, it would automatically apply a credit to compensate for the inconvenience and that it would work closely with Business customers to address concerns.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
AT&T said its initial review of the cause of the February 22 outage indicates that it was not due to a cyberattack but was caused by "the application and execution of an incorrect process used while working to expand our network." The company said it is making investments to grow its network and deliver "an exceptional customer experience."
According to Downdetector, an online platform that tracks outages, the outage began at 4 a.m. EST. on February 22. The company restored service later that day. Customers of Verizon and T-Mobile also reported outages but their issues may have been due to problems at AT&T, Downdetector said.
Verizon and T-Mobile spokespeople told Kiplinger in emails that day that their respective services were operating normally but that some customers had issues when trying to call or text users of other carriers.
What to do if you experience an outage
If you an outage, AT&T recommends using Wi-Fi calling and texting until service is restored.
To activate Wi-Fi calling on your device, follow these steps:
- Swipe down twice on your notification bar and select the settings icon.
- Select "network & internet" and then slide the Wi-Fi Calling switch.
- Review the pop-up prompt and select "Continue" to enter your emergency address, then verify your address.
You can call AT&T wireless customer service at 1-800-331-0500.
You could, however, be on hold for quite some time. On February 22, AT&T posted on notice on its website that some customers were having trouble making or receiving calls and that, as a result, "we are experiencing long hold times."
Can’t call 9-1-1? Do this:
If there’s an emergency and you cannot call 9-1-1 from your device, local government agencies such as the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security recommend calling from a landline or asking a friend or family member to call on your behalf.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Dow Hits New Intraday High on Fed Day: Stock Market Today
Not even the most important stock in the world could keep the oldest equity index down on a significant day for markets.
-
Savings Goal Calculator
Tools Want to know how much you need to save each month to reach your financial goals? Our calculator helps you build a realistic savings plan.
-
The Seven Best-Paying Side Gigs For Retirees
If you're worried you won't have enough saved for a comfortable retirement, or that life after work will be boring, these well-paid roles could be the answer.
-
$40,000 CD vs. $40,000 High-Yield Savings Account: 3 Things Savers Should Consider Now
Both options offer risk-free methods to grow your savings. Learn how much you can earn with each, how they differ and which one suits you best.
-
T-Mobile's Free iPhone 17 Deal: A Smart Switch or a Hidden Catch?
Receive a free iPhone 17 when you switch to T-Mobile. We'll explain whether the deal is worth it.
-
How an Expired Passport Thwarted Blackmail (and What Other Important Documents You Should Keep)
An optometrist produced his expired passport to foil a blackmail attempt by the daughter of a former employee. After proving he was out of the country on the date of a forged diary entry, he took it a step further.
-
Confused About the New COVID Vaccine and Medicare? What You Need to Know
Getting the new COVID-19 vaccine covered by Medicare isn't as easy this year as it was in the past. Here's what you need to know before you take a trip to your pharmacy.
-
How Digital Platforms Are Changing the Way You Invest in Gold
Investing in gold is easier than ever thanks to digital platforms. Learn how online tools are lowering costs, increasing transparency and making gold accessible to all investors.
-
This Is How Life Insurance Can Fund Your Dreams Now
Beyond a death benefit, life insurance can provide significant financial value and flexibility through 'living benefits' while you are still alive, helping with expenses like education, business ventures or retirement.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on Retirement
While some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.