Solar Flare Likely Not Related To Cellular Outages

news image
Special Stories
24 Feb 2024 10:20 PM

A data outage affecting cellular customers is not likely related to recent solar activity. The network outages began before sunrise Thursday, with tens of thousands of customers reporting a loss of service, primarily with AT&T.

Coincidentally, two X-Class solar flares occurred late Wednesday into Thursday (top of page), which could continue to have impacts on high-frequency radio signals. Typically, solar flares are not strong enough to impact cellular data and are more likely to impact radio and satellite communication.



The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued the following statement about the event:

Two Major Solar Flares; Effects on Cellular Networks Unlikely

The Sun emitted two strong solar flares (both R3 on the NOAA Space Weather Scales), the first one peaking at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2024, and the second peaking at 1:32 a.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024. 

While solar flares can affect communication systems, radar, and the Global Positioning System, based on the intensity of the eruption and associated phenomena, it is highly unlikely that these flares contributed to the widely reported cellular network outages. 

NOAA and SWPC will continue to monitor the solar and near-Earth space environment for potential impacts to critical infrastructure and essential services.

All Weather News
More
Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

It has been over a week since the devastating

13 Jul 2025 3:15 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

13 Jul 2025 3:10 AM
Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

BREAKING: The National Hurricane Center is no

13 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

High pressure is moving off the California co

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

12 Jul 2025 2:50 AM