Widespread Network Disruption Hits Three UK Customers
A significant number of Three mobile network users in the UK are experiencing connectivity issues, with reports indicating an inability to access phone signals. The issue, tracked by Downdetector, has affected over 20,000 customers as of Friday afternoon, leading to widespread disruptions in making calls, sending texts, and using mobile data.
Three, with a customer base exceeding 10 million in the UK, has apologised for the service outages. The exact number of affected users remains uncertain, particularly among those dependent on mobile internet for reporting such issues.
The initial signs of the network problem surfaced on Friday morning with a modest number of reports, which escalated rapidly by the afternoon. The disruption is not limited to Three’s direct customers but also impacts users of smaller networks that rely on Three’s infrastructure, like Smarty, which alone has seen around 3,000 reports on Downdetector.
The possibility of compensation for affected customers remains unclear. However, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, suggests that refunds might be appropriate during repair periods.
This incident marks the second significant technology outage in the UK within a week, following a similar disruption faced by HSBC customers who could not access mobile and online banking services during Black Friday.
Additional reports indicate that some users experienced problems with 4G and 5G services, with others facing issues like ‘no signal’ and ‘total blackout,’ especially on the Smarty network operating under Three.
In a related context, the 2016 attempt by Three to acquire O2 was blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the European Commission, citing potential risks of higher prices. However, Vodafone is currently in talks to merge its UK operations with Three in a deal estimated at £15 billion, potentially concluding by the end of 2024. These two companies rank as the UK’s third and fourth-largest mobile operators.
Three UK is owned by the Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison.
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