Cingular customers have been experiencing a system-wide problem today in the Los Angeles area.

The current glitch comes two days after announcing a shiny, new mobile/web deal with MySpace.
Maybe the Verizon/YouTubers have taken to knocking down towers? I speculate.

Below, please find the dramatic re-enactment of my customer service phone exchange. The grumbly lady that answered my call was less thrilled about answering my questions:

Is there currently a problem with service in the Los Angeles area?

Why? Are you having trouble?

Yes. Calls are ringing but nothing is connecting and voicemail is non-functional.

Ok. Yes, there is an outage in the area.

When did it start?

The outage started sometime this morning.

Can you tell me the nature of the outage or what caused it?

I don’t have that information.

Can you please connect me with someone who does have that information?

All they know is that there is an outage.

Can you tell me when they expect it to be fixed?

A few hours.

I see. That’s a little vague, no?

There is an outage in your area.

Ok. Thank you.

Thank you for calling Cingular Wireless.

Photo by pt via Flicker