UPDATE: Switching to EDGE works. It's just 3G service that isn't working. So if your phone has an on/off switch for 3G, turn it off for now. And it's not a local issue.
----------------------------------------------------------

Apparently many AT&T cell phones just simply aren't working as the clock struck 12am into the new year. I've been getting reports from friends but luckily mine is working perfectly! My AT&T U-Verse was working definitely sub-par today but my phone is working. In fact, I'm actually posting this article from my iPhone.

No confirmed reports are in from AT&T about the issue or if it's just a local issue but it's still bad timing to have a network outage. The carrier shines on.

Meanwhile, a helpful tip: if your AT&T phone has wi-fi, switch to a wifi connection in your home. Find your router, get the password and put it in. Or if your on 3G, try switching to EDGE. Not sure if it works but it's worth a try. Happy New Year to other carriers!