Did you feel that? Cell networks clogged by calls

The earthquake that shook the East Coast is also causing connection problems for cell phone customers.

Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint say their networks were congested as the quake sent people scrambling for the phones.

"There were tremors and everyone decided to call and say, 'Did you feel it?' " Verizon Wireless spokesman Tom Pica said. "It's a congestion situation."

The congestion was reminiscent, on a much smaller scale, to the frenzy that clogged cellular networks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. To solve that program, police and rescue workers have priority phones that can get through even when there's a flurry of calls.

Pica said there was no damage to the company's equipment. He said the crush of phone calls made it hard for some customers to get through for about 20 minutes after the quake but he said the congestion appeared to be clearing after that. Sprint said some customers may be experiencing delays.