Officials are encouraging Central Texans to keep calling if they are unable to reach emergency services.

BELTON, Texas — Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) and the Central Texas Emergency Communications District said a major telephone provider is currently experiencing a widespread service outage, as of 7:15 p.m. Thursday. 

The outage is affecting the public’s ability to make calls, including those to 911. But residents should know that this is not a 911 system outage. Local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are available and ready to receive emergency calls, according to officials. 

However, officials also warn that some calls or texts may not connect or be delivered since the issue is happening within the telephone provider’s network. 

Consequently, residents may experience difficulty contacting emergency services. The situation is being monitored, and officials are working alongside providers to track the outage and its impacts.

Officials emphasize that emergency call centers remain operational. Anyone who attempts to call law enforcement or contact emergency medical personnel are recommended to keep calling.Â