Vandalized fiber lines cause Verizon cellular and internet service outage for thousands of Southern California customers

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

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

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.

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