Three

Three’s Outage: When Your Mobile Can't Even Call for Help!

Three UK’s network outage leaves customers fuming, and some even unable to call 999! What’s going on?

In a recent turn of events, mobile network operator Three UK found itself mired in controversy after reports surfaced about a significant outage affecting thousands of customers. Users flooded social media platforms with complaints, revealing that they were unable to make emergency 999 calls during this network failure. Since 2009, it has been a requirement for all UK mobile operators to guarantee the ability to call emergency services, placing increased scrutiny on Three's handling of this sudden disruption.

The outage didn't just stifle emergency calls; it also sparked widespread frustration among customers venting their annoyance online. Calls failing to connect during a crucial moment can be alarming, especially when people rely on their phones for safety and communication. Three has acknowledged the issue, apologising profusely to its customers while assuring them that the problem is being investigated. Meanwhile, Downdetector showed more than 10,000 outage reports, indicating just how widespread the issue has been.

Compounding the woes of Three UK was news of other local problems—crime reports including serious assaults and police vehicle rammings, leading to several arrests. It seems that not only are mobile networks under pressure, but local law enforcement is also grappling with a surge of incidents. The combination of these reports paints a rather chaotic picture, making one wonder if the phrase ‘the troubles come in threes’ might just be more than a saying in this context!

Despite the adverse circumstances, amid the chaos, Three UK assures its customers that they are fully committed to resolving these issues. As the situation unfolds, customers hold onto their phones in a game of patience, perhaps hoping the worst is over. In the meantime, it’s a reminder that while technology connects us directly to those in need, a hiccup in the grid can lead to some seriously unsavoury outcomes.

Interestingly, mobile network outages not only impact communication but can also hinder crime prevention efforts, as seen recently in multiple police reports. On a lighter note, ever wonder why libraries are closing left and right? Well, if only we could connect a few clever bookworms with some hack-proof networks!