Three network down - as it happened: Latest news as mobile provider hints at way to fix signal and internet after it stops working

Three Mobile stops working for customers across UK

Three’s UK mobile network has been down for several hours, pushing users on to social media to complain – if they are lucky enough to have WiFi service.

Details on what caused the outage were not immediately available as Three’s website is also down, and its Twitter accounts silent early on Thursday morning.

The Independent has contacted Three for more information.

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Key Points

• Problems affecting entire country
• Reports of issues rapidly rising
• Three account sends sassy tweets about coverage problems
• But also admits there is an issue hitting 'some users'

[17 October 2019 11:55 · Andrew Griffin]

Three UK tweets again

The official Three Twitter account has posted again – tweeting a message that is largely the same as its original post, except now in photo form.

It suggests that the issues are still ongoing, and makes no indication that they necessarily will be cleared up any time soon.

[17 October 2019 11:58 · Andrew Griffin]

Second tweet prompts another outpouring of outrage

That post has only been live for three minutes, and has already been hit by a barrage of frustrated replies. Here's a taster – they are largely all the same as this.

[17 October 2019 12:02 · Andrew Griffin]

Three releases statement and offers tip

Three has sent over a statement – and suggested that users restart their phones, which could make them start working again.

“Following technical difficulties with our services across voice, text and data, some customers will be experiencing an intermittent service," a spokesperson said.

"Our engineers are working to fix the issue and the service is returning to normal, and we expect it to be resolved over the course of the day.  

We advise our customers to turn their phones off and on or turn airplane mode on and off, which may resolve the issue.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers.”

[17 October 2019 14:15 · Andrew Griffin]

Things 'returning to normal', Three says

Three is saying to customers on Twitter that things are returning to normal, but that they should restart their phone if there are still problems. Here's a selection of those posts.

[17 October 2019 17:00 · Andrew Griffin]

Three says service has been restored for the "majority" of users

Most people's phones should be back on the network, Three says. Some people might still have issues – and it would help if those people turned their phone off and on, the company says.

“Following technical difficulties with our services across voice, text and data, some customers have experienced an intermittent service today. 

For the majority of customers, the network has been restored so they can make calls, send texts and use data.  We are aware that some customers are still experiencing issues and our engineers are continuing to work to fix this. To help with the process we advise our customers to turn their phones off and on or turn airplane mode on and off, which may resolve the issue.

The service is returning to normal, and we expect it to be resolved over the course of the day. ​

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers.”