Statewide Phone Outage

Multiple local law enforcement agencies and other entities were affected by a statewide phone outage. Both Jackson and Delaware counties issued notices that 911 landline service was down Thursday morning, two of multiple affected entities across the state. Callers still can report emergencies to 911 using their cellphones, however. A press release from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management states that an issue with service provider Lumen Technologies led to an interruption to landline phone service affecting residents, businesses and emergency service providers. It is unclear how widespread the issue is locally, though MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Dubuque also has reported phone outages. The hospital said the issue seems to stem from reported water issues at a switching center in Des Moines that may also be impacting cell towers. Work is ongoing to resolve the problem.