(Not entirely related to your post, but....)
There are loads of mobile IRC clients that would let you check the A&A channel when you think there are problems. Also, save the out-of-hours MSO number somewhere.
The IRC channel I am well aware of.
However my 3G connection around here isn't the fastest thing in the west, I don't have a cheap data tarrif (it's voice only and the data tarrif is horrendous) and I did eventually get an IRC client installed on my (Windows Mobile 6) phone. It was quicker to ask here first then muddle around for two hours getting an IRC client to function properly.
I'm also reluctant to wake up A&A using the MSO SMS feature for fear of crying wolf without asking around first and getting a feel for where the problem may lie.
I am prepared for the next time however