Maybe some security system used that AT&T site to broadcast to their owners?

Lets just say you have a bank. Right before you access the bank vault you knock out the communication between the native security system and the higher ups. You get in, steal what you want, and get out. A delayed alert giving you more time to escape.

Of course I doubt a bank robbery was the reason for this, but it's an idea of why it could have happened. Comms blackout giving someone time to take something of value and get away.