East Coast Earthquake Causes Connection Problems For Cell Phone Users

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The earthquake that shook the East Coast also caused connection problems for Tri-State cell phone customers.

Verizon Wireless and AT&T say their networks were congested as the quake sent people scrambling for the phones.

Verizon Wireless spokesman Tom Pica said there was no damage to the company's equipment. He said the crush of phone calls made it hard for some customers to get through for about 20 minutes after the quake but he said the congestion appeared to be clearing.

Police and rescue workers now have priority phones that can get through even when there's a flurry of calls. Though, the Federal Emergency Management Agency asked people to use text messaging or email for a few hours after the Tuesday quake to keep lines open for emergency responders.

Sprint said some customers might be experiencing delays, but spokesman John Taylor said the company had received no reports of problems from emergency personnel.

Did you have issues with your cell phone following the Earthquake? Let us know

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