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Three down updates – Network still experiencing problems as hundreds left without service | The Sun

THOUSANDS of Three users were left without a phone signal yesterday as the network suffers an outage – and the problem is continuing for many.

More than 16,000 users reported issues with the service, as per DownDetector, with many complaining of having no service to make or receive calls.

It appeared the issue had been solved this morning but more than 600 people have been reporting issues with the service, according to Downdetector.

Some users also reported issues with their mobile internet, preventing them from accessing 4G or 5G as well as customers with Smarty which operates on the Three network.

A Three spokesperson said: “A small number of customers may be experiencing issues with our network this morning.

Our engineers are working on the issue now to fix it as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Problems with the Three network appear to be continuing today, Saturday.

Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…

  • By Jon Rogers

    Not the first outage this year

    Three’s mobile network also went down in March, frustrating customers.

    At the time, one person took to Twitter/X and said: “One of my Three network mobile phones is showing no internet connection.”

    Another said: “My phone is saying emergency calls only. Rebooting hasn’t helped.”

    “I can’t seem to call anyone on the Three network,” said a third person.

  • By Jon Rogers

    How to test your internet speed

    There are loads of online tools that let you test your internet speed.

    But arguably the most popular is Speedtest.net by Ookla (a US data firm), which you can find here.

    You can also download the app here:

    • Speedtest on iOS – download
    • Speedtest on Android – download

    It tests your speeds in a number of ways using local servers, giving you a fairly accurate representation of your real-world download speeds.

    Remember that if you’re testing on mobile, make sure you’re connected to WiFi to test the broadband speed. Otherwise, you’ll be checking your mobile speeds instead.

    So are you getting the right speeds?

    Check with your internet provider, log into your broadband account or take a look at your bill to find details of your package.

    A simple search should tell you what speed you’re getting.

    Problems still continuing

    Three users are still experiencing issues with the network.

    Yesterday's outage problems appeared to have been cleared up overnight but hundreds are still left without a service.

    According to Downdetector, more than 600 people are having problems getting onto the network this morning, Saturday.

    • By Jon Rogers

      Factors that can affect internet signal: Issues with your device

      The signal may be impacted by your SIM card, phone settings, low battery, and outdated software, per ThreeUK.

      It will also be unable to utilize the network if your account is on hold.

    • By Jon Rogers

      Factors that can affect internet signal: Extreme weather

      Phone towers can be damaged by severe winds, flooding, storms, fallen trees, etc.

      This will be a factor in internet and phone interruptions, according to ThreeUK.

    • By Jon Rogers

      Factors that can affect internet signals: Multiple devices

      Most households have several different devices connected to the internet at the same time which can affect internet speed.

      If you use multiple services and you are not the only person using the network, this can cause the connection to slow down or cut out, per Traficom.

      Try taking a few of the devices offline to speed up service for the remaining devices.

    • By Jon Rogers

      Am I entitled to compensation?

      If you're suffering issues with your internet, call or mobile services then you may be entitled to compensation.

      Internet firms usually pay out £8 for each say that broadband and phone service is not repaired after two full days of no service.

      If you're a mobile customer and you suffer from a lack of service then depending on the circumstance you may be entitled to a refund or account credit.

      If you're without service for a sustained period of time then you may have the right to leave without incurring a fee.

      If you still want to complain to Three Mobile about an issue, you can contact the firm via phone, online or pop by a branch.

    • By Jon Rogers

      How to check the status in your area

      Three Mobile has a dedicated web page where you can find out if there are any problems in your area.

      Three Mobile offers customers a service update page on their website.

      To then find out if there are any problems, simply enter your postcode.

      This aims to keep customers in the know and should confirm when any issues are resolved.

    • By Jon Rogers

      What were the problems with Three?

      The vast majority of issues with Three appear to be with a loss of signal.

      More than half – 56 per cent – of those saying there was an issue highlighted a problem with having no signal, Downdetector says.

      While 32 per cent said they were facing a “total blackout”.

      Just 12 per cent said they had a problem with their mobile internet.

    • By Amanda Castro

      Keep an eye on the network service checker

      Should you be impacted and wish to ascertain whether problems are still present in your location, Three UK does offer a Network status checker.

      Visit Three's official complaint form to see whether you qualify for a refund if the problems have caused you to experience severe difficulties.

    • By Amanda Castro

      Getting in touch with Three, conclusion

      Customers are also able to contact Three via social media webchat.

      "Here," reads the website, "you can start a webchat to talk about something we've already discussed on social media."

      The website urges customers to have security answers, documents, and social media username/s ready before the chat begins.

    • By Amanda Castro

      Getting in touch with Three, continued

      You can also get in contact with Three using the website's Live Chat feature.

      For fast help, customers can chat with an agent from 8:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday, and 9:00 – 20:00 Saturday and Sunday.

    • By Amanda Castro

      Getting in touch with Three

      There are several ways to get in touch with Three if you are experiencing issues with your signal or account.

      You can call from 8:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 18:00 Saturday and Sunday

      • Personal Customers
        • From your Three phone: 333
        • From any other phone: 0333 338 1001
        • From abroad (standard roaming rates apply): +44 7782 333 333
        • From your Three phone: 500
        • From any other phone: 0333 338 1003
        • From abroad (standard roaming rates apply): +44 7782 333 500

        How to fix poor signal

        Here are some methods to resort to if you have poor or no signal, according to Three:

        • See if the problem is in one place
        • Verify if the problem happens everywhere
        • Check about any issues with your account
        • Try Wi-Fi calling
        • Get in contact with Three

        How to fix signal loss

        If you usually get a signal but haven't recently, there can be a problem with your account or device, or there might be an outage.

        The following are some things you can do to restore your signal, per Three:

        • Check for outages
        • Test your device
          • Turn airplane mode on and off
          • Turn device on and off
          • Make sure mobile data is on
          • Update device software
          • Reset network settings
          • By Amanda Castro

            History of Three

            With little over 10 million users in the UK, Three was introduced 20 years ago and is currently the company's fourth-largest mobile network.

            It claims to be in charge of 29% of the mobile data traffic in the UK.

            However, it will see a significant upheaval when it unites with Vodafone in a merger that is expected to be finalized by the end of the following year.

            Clients will be transferred to the yet-to-be-named new business.

          • By Ellie Rudy

            Construction can affect Wifi connection

            Wall construction can also affect your internet speed.

            Concrete is a common culprit for poor WiFi connection.

            Additionally, the thicker the walls, the more likely the internet speed be affected.

          • By Ellie Rudy

            More disappointed Three users on X

            More upset Three users are venting their frustrations on X, formerly Twitter.

            One user posted, "Having three network and sky wifi. ALL I KNOW IS SUFFERING."

            Another wrote, "Great all mobiles and our Wifi uses #THREE network. Means the whole house is down. Sort it out!"

          • By Ellie Rudy

            Three users take to X

            More Three customers have posted on X how annoyed they are with their WiFi going down.

            One wrote, "Having Three network and wifi? Do I hate myself???"

            Another said, "No phone network and no Wifi at home all afternoon. WTF Three ????"

          • By Ellie Rudy

            Factors that can affect internet signals: Network centralizer

            The speed of your internet can also be affected by your distance from the network centralizer.

            The further you live from the operator's broadband centralizer, the more it can affect your internet's speed and ability to connect, per Traficom.

          • By Ellie Rudy

            Factors that can affect internet signals: Multiple devices

            Most households have several different devices connected to the internet at the same time which can affect internet speed.

            If you use multiple services and you are not the only person using the network, this can cause the connection to slow down or cut out, per Traficom.

            Try taking a few of the devices offline to speed up service for the remaining devices.

          • By Amanda Castro

            Reports down to just over 1,000

            Despite the nearly 20,000 reports of issues with Three, things seem to be bettering themselves.

            There are now about 1,550 reports on Downdetector.

          • By Amanda Castro

            Factors that can affect internet signal: Extreme weather

            Phone towers can be damaged by severe winds, flooding, storms, fallen trees, etc.

            This will be a factor in internet and phone interruptions, according to ThreeUK.

          • By Amanda Castro

            Factors that can affect internet signal: Location

            Your signal gets stronger the closer you are to a mast, ThreeUK says.

            Geographical features like hills, valleys, woods, etc., may also have an impact.

          • By Amanda Castro

            Factors that can affect internet signal: Issues with your device

            The signal may be impacted by your SIM card, phone settings, low battery, and outdated software, per ThreeUK.

            It will also be unable to utilize the network if your account is on hold.

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