A lot of the lines are down, but this is further complicated by the fact that the majority of both the long distance and the cell phone switiching equipment was located at the coast. (This is according to a news report earlier today). Thus, even if your lines aren't down, the switches are without power and probably severely damaged. It's unlikely to get better tomorrow, but all of us who are out of the area will keep trying.

Interestingly, some cell phones appear able to call out at least intermittently. Also, those with Cellular South service are more reachable from the outside world than any of the other carriers, in my experience during this time. Perhaps their switches are located outside the gulf coast area?

Also, if you are trying to call someone with a south MS or LA cell phone number who evacuated somewhere else in the country, you won't reach them, either. The call has to route through the downed switches first. Hopefully some of the carriers will figure out alternate switching in a day or so.

Anyway, I agree with Truth. Keep trying. For the few I have reached, I have offered to relay messages as needed.