Total solar eclipse 2024 may plunge US into communication crisis       Total solar eclipse 2024 to deprive millions of Americans from accessing cellphone network services. — AFP/File

North America is going to see a total solar eclipse on April 8 for the first time since 2017 and one last time before 2044, however, experts warn of cellular networks breakdown as millions of people would gather to watch the celestial event.

The total solar eclipse is expected to cause immense pressure on network infrastructure, according to Al Bawaba.

Exact 215 million adult Americans likely witnessed the solar eclipse in person or on a screen, as per Nasa.

The path of totality for the forthcoming total solar eclipse will be much larger with 31.6 million people residing in the path. This is more compared to 12 million in 2017.

Moreover, the eclipse in 2024 will cross over greater number of towns and populated regions as juxtaposed to 2017.

Worries about network coverage has been confirmed by the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management , stating: “Our communications team has been monitoring potential issues with cell phone coverage as part of our planning. With the increase in visitors to the state, we anticipate that cell phone communication may be impacted. We are working closely with our partners and taking necessary actions to address the capacity issues and minimise any potential impact on communication services.”