Today’s nationwide cellular outage disrupted voice and data service for millions of Americans. This video explains why events like this prove ham radio is still relevant for emergency communications.

On January 14, 2026, a major cellular network outage impacted users across the United States, leaving many phones stuck in SOS mode and disrupting calls, texts, and data. News outlets reported widespread service issues affecting major cities and emergency access in some areas.

In this video, we break down:

• What caused today’s cellular outage

• Why centralized communications fail

• How amateur radio remains resilient

• Why redundancy still matters in 2026

This isn’t fear-mongering.

It’s a real-world reminder that modern infrastructure has limits.

🎓 Sponsored by Ham Radio Prep

Get licensed or upgrade and be ready to communicate when others can’t.

👉 https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8909481.efd9c78

💥 10% off with code HamShackTV

— Josh AA4WX

Live, Learn, Transmit.

🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY!

🛒 Shop My Amazon Link

https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon

***Gigaparts***

Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More!

Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout.

📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way

Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV

https://HamRadioPrep.com

🌍 Join World Radio League

Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV

https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh

ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS)

https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv

Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off

👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html

🔌 Digirig Interface

Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast:

https://digirig.net/p/8/

🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More

Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops:

https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh

🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch

From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style:

https://hamshacktv.printify.me/

📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear

Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7

https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx

🌐 Explore Meshtastic

Get started with off-grid comms — click here:

https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e

🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content

Get member-only videos, badges & more:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join

🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store

My curated picks in one place:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv

Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it:

💬 Chat with Us on Discord

Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9

📘 Follow on Facebook

Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV

🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM

⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack!

Songs that may be used in my videos:

Newsmark - 615 Music

The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.