Phone calls have stopped working on Three

Phone calls have stopped working on Three: Mobile network provider Three has experienced significant disruptions, leaving many customers unable to make or receive calls. The issue has sparked frustration among users who rely on the service to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

Reports of the outage surged around 3 PM UK time, according to Down Detector, a website that tracks service disruptions. The reports indicate that the problem is widespread, with affected users spread across the UK rather than being concentrated in specific regions.

In a statement, Three acknowledged the issue: “We’re aware of an issue affecting a small percentage of voice services. Our team is working hard to resolve this as quickly as possible. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience caused. Data services and 999 emergency calls are unaffected, so please bear with us.”

While the company described the issue as affecting a “small percentage” of its users, the number of complaints suggests that the impact is being felt on a much larger scale. Other providers that depend on Three’s infrastructure, such as iD Mobile, are also facing similar disruptions.

Interestingly, Down Detector has also shown spikes in reports for other networks like EE, O2, and Vodafone. However, these networks appear to be functioning normally, and the surge in complaints is likely due to the inability of their users to connect with customers on the Three network.

Frustration Over Lack of Automatic Compensation

Unlike some broadband and landline providers, mobile networks, including Three, do not automatically compensate customers for service outages. Users who have been affected are advised to lodge a formal complaint by calling 333 when their phone services are operational again. Depending on the severity and duration of the issue, the company may offer some form of resolution or goodwill gesture.

Broader Impact of Network Failures

The outage highlights the reliance on mobile networks in daily life, particularly during an era when remote work, virtual meetings, and online communication are more critical than ever. Service disruptions not only cause personal inconvenience but can also have serious implications for businesses and emergency communications.

As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for when the issue will be fully resolved. Customers are advised to monitor updates from Three’s official channels for the latest information.