Okay, it took 3 different support associates but one of them gave a favorable answer. Apparently there is an issue with subscribers from Texas with Verizon as their service provider. Many people have reported the issue who are both from Texas and have Verizon as their service provider and this problem has been persistent since Sunday evening, which is about the time I started having issues myself. The chat support specialist has stated that it is currently being investigated and talks with Verizon regarding this problem will begin as soon as investigation is completed. Until then we just have to be patient, I guess.