UPDATE:

Verizon Wireless has issued the following statement:

“Verizon Wireless 4G LTE service is returning to normal this morning, after company engineers worked to resolve an issue with the 4G network during the early morning hours today. Throughout this time, 4G LTE customers were able to make voice calls and send and receive text messages. The 3G data network operated normally.” ‬

Wednesday – 12/21/2011, 9:37am ET

WASHINGTON – Don’t be surprised if you lose cell phone service. Verizon has been hit by a massive data outage, affecting smart-phone users across the country.

The company says 4G service has been out since late Tuesday night.

Many 3G users say they’re experiencing problems as well.

The outages are affecting folks in D.C., New York, Florida and California, CNET reports.

No word yet on what caused the outage or when service will be restored.

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