Mobile Network Three Issues Apology Amidst Voice Call Outages
Mobile network Three has issued a public apology after an onslaught of complaints from customers nationwide experiencing difficulties making and receiving voice calls. Over 10,000 individuals have reported problems on the outage site Downdetector, with the first signs of trouble surfacing around 1 pm.
Customer Frustrations and Impact
People from various locations spanning Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Lanarkshire, and London have voiced their frustrations as connectivity issues persist. User @nameisrichard expressed dismay, stating, “Six hours in and I still can’t make or receive a call!” Meanwhile, @flynn1965 shared the emotional toll, revealing, “I’m trying to organise my mother’s funeral and I can’t make, or receive, a single call. It’s appalling.” @bertis100 highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “We have no coverage since 1 pm in Motherwell Scotland.”
Network Response and Updates
In response to the escalating concerns, Three released a statement this afternoon acknowledging the problem and assuring customers that data and 999 calls remained functional. A subsequent message reiterated the apology at 7.30 pm, expressing deep regret for the inconvenience caused. However, a later update hinted at potential issues with emergency calls, as only data services were confirmed to be unaffected.
Continued Challenges and Service Disruptions
Despite ongoing efforts to rectify the situation, more than 5,000 individuals were still self-reporting issues on the Downdetector platform shortly before 8 pm. The timing of the network’s recent merger approval with Vodafone, promising enhanced services and a substantial investment, adds complexity to the current operational challenges faced by Three.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
The impending merger between Three and Vodafone, anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2025, raises questions about the network’s ability to deliver on its commitment to improved service quality. As customers await resolution and clarity regarding the voice call outages, the convergence of these telecom giants remains a focal point in the industry’s landscape.
