A widespread network failure affecting millions of Verizon customers has intensified calls for regulatory mandates requiring automatic refunds during service disruptions. The company has offered a $20 credit to impacted users, but consumer advocates argue customers should not need to request compensation.
- The outage impacted approximately 18 million Verizon customers on January 14, 2026.
- Service disruptions lasted up to 14 hours in certain metropolitan areas.
- Verizon is offering a $20 credit to affected users, contingent on claim submission.
- Users must apply for the credit through a company-provided portal within 30 days.
- Consumer advocacy groups are urging federal regulators to establish mandatory refund policies.
A major outage on January 14, 2026, disrupted cellular services for an estimated 18 million Verizon users across the United States, with connectivity failures lasting up to 14 hours in some regions. The disruption impacted emergency communications, mobile banking, and business operations, prompting widespread public frustration. In response, Verizon announced a $20 credit for all affected customers as a goodwill gesture, though the process requires users to submit claims via a dedicated portal within 30 days of the incident.