Current:Home > MyWill AT&T customers get a credit for Thursday's network outage? It might be worth a call -InvestTomorrow
Will AT&T customers get a credit for Thursday's network outage? It might be worth a call
View
Date:2025-04-25 15:18:16
In the aftermath of Thursday's nationwide telecommunication outage, AT&T customers are wondering whether they will get some sort of credit on their account.
The telecom giant has said the outage, which lasted several hours, was caused by a technical error that happened during "the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack."
Amid the outage on Thursday, AT&T customers chatted on social media about whether they would get some sort of credit to their accounts for the inconvenience.
"I know the answer is going to be "LOL...Yeah, good luck with that" but ATT needs to seriously consider the impact that this outage has had on customers & at least offer a credit on the February statement," posted one person on Reddit. "Even if it is a 1/29 (3%) discount for the one day we were down, assuming they can get it back up today, we are paying for a service we are not getting."
AT&T outage:Network outage just a preview of what can happen when cell service goes out: How to prepare
"AT&T better give us a credit next month," posted one person on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter.
Can I get a credit or rebate from AT&T for the outage?
AT&T has not publicly said it would provide a rebate or credit to customers. When USA TODAY asked about it on Thursday and Friday, a spokesperson did not address the issue.
However, an AT&T customer in South Dakota told USA TODAY she contacted AT&T and got a $52.50 credit on her account on Thursday. "Never hurts to ask," she posted on X.
She told USA TODAY she logged onto her account online and clicked "Contact Us," and a representative gave her the credit. She said she wondered whether those who didn't do this quickly will get as much of a rebate.
AT&T outage: How much could a credit or rebate be?
If AT&T offered a credit simply based on how long customers were unable to use the communications network, it could amount to one day's worth of access. That 3% credit for the month could amount to about $1.50 to $2.60, assuming a monthly bill is about $51 to $86.
Because of the importance wireless networks are to consumers that may not seem enough compensation for the outage, Jonathan Schwantes, senior policy counsel at Consumer Reports, told USA TODAY on Thursday.
But AT&T will probably do "some kind of nominal credit. If you'll pro-rate it out, eight to 10 hours on a day out of a 31-day billing cycle doesn't amount to a whole lot, but I think it would do good by consumers," he said.
In September 2023, Charter Communications gave its Spectrum pay TV subscribers a $15 credit when a programming dispute took Disney and ESPN channels off the service. Initially, subscribers had to call in, but eventually the company gave it to all subscribers, Schwantes said.
AT&T, which has more than 70 million wireless subscribers in the U.S., is likely weighing what it should do. If the company gives even a $4 or $5 credit, "that's a real loss for AT&T," he said.
However, taking no action raises the possibility customers could defect to Verizon or T-Mobile. "Are they going to leave and never come back?" Schwantes said. That's why he expects the company will eventually offer a credit.
So does Dave Heger, a senior analyst at Edward Jones, who told USA TODAY on Thursday, "We expect that AT&T will offer some type of refund to restore customer goodwill."
"We think that this type of outage can negatively impact financial results in the quarter in which it occurs and cause short-term lost goodwill with customers," Heger said. "However, it does not have a longer-term impact on the business."
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Gwyneth Paltrow Shines a Light on Family Summer Memories With Ex Chris Martin and Their Kids
- US Open: No. 1 Jannik Sinner gets past Tommy Paul to set up a quarterfinal against Daniil Medvedev
- Kristin Cavallari Shares Why She’s Having the Best Sex of Her Life With Mark Estes
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Wrong-way crash on Georgia highway kills 3, injures 3 others
- The 33 most anticipated movies of the Fall
- Inter Miami star Luis Suarez announces retirement from Uruguay national team
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Lady Gaga and Fiancé Michael Polansky's Venice International Film Festival Looks Deserve All The Applause
Ranking
- British swimmer Adam Peaty: There are worms in the food at Paris Olympic Village
- Angelina Jolie gets emotional during standing ovation at Telluride Film Festival
- Week 1 fantasy football risers, fallers: Revenge game for Matthew Stafford
- Murder on Music Row: Nashville police 'thanked the Lord' after miracle evidence surfaced
- Hidden Home Gems From Kohl's That Will Give Your Space a Stylish Refresh for Less
- Hyundai unveils 2025 electric SUVs aiming for broader appeal with improved range, charging options
- Joshua Jackson Shares Rare Insight Into Bond With His and Jodie Turner-Smith's 4-Year-Old Daughter
- 3 missing in Connecticut town after boating accident
Recommendation
Jamaica's Kishane Thompson more motivated after thrilling 100m finish against Noah Lyles
The Bachelorette Star Jenn Tran Shares What She Packed for Her Season, Including a $5 Skincare Must-Have
Jewel supports Chappell Roan's harassment comments: 'I've had hundreds of stalkers'
Jax Taylor Shares He’s Been Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder and PTSD Amid Divorce
US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
NFL hot seat rankings: Mike McCarthy, Nick Sirianni among coaches already on notice
Alabama sets mid-October execution date for man who killed 5 in ax and gun attack
Algal Blooms Ravaged New York’s Finger Lakes During Final Week of August