Three network down - what UK customers should do as company issues statement

One of the UK's most popular mobile networks has been rocked by a major outage today, with thousands of furious customers unable to make or receive calls.

Almost 10,000 people have reported issues with Three UK's network since the outage first started at around 7:45am - with some demanding compensation and others threatening to leave the network altogether. Of those affected, 80% have reported being unable to make voice calls, 17% can't get phone signal and 3% are having trouble connecting to the internet, according to Downdetector.

Three UK said in a statement on X: "We're aware of an issue affecting voice services and are working hard to fix it. Data services are working normally, so calls can be placed via third-party messaging apps. We're really sorry for any inconvenience caused."

READ MORE: Three down LIVE: Network outage sees users unable to call or send texts

A map of affected areas shows the Three Network is currently down all over the UK - from Brighton, London and Plymouth all the way up to Scotland. Major cities appear to have taken the biggest hit, with the most reported locations listed as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle Upon Tyne and Edinburgh.

Customers in Ipswich, Swindon, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Derby have reported issues with the network.

What to do if you've been impacted by today's outage

Customers can raise a complaint to have the ongoing issues investigated by filling out an online form on the Three UK website. You can also use the 'Live Chat' function on Three's website or call customer support at '333' from your mobile.

In the meantime, the mobile network provider has advised those unable to make or receive calls to use third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, instead. Three UK apologised to its customers this morning and said it was "working hard" to fix the problem. It added: "Data services are working normally, so calls can be placed via third-party messaging apps. We're really sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Can you use Vodafone's network after merger with Three UK?

Three UK recently merged with Vodafone in a bid to create a "new force in UK mobile."

But customers won't be able to use Vodafone's network just yet. In its FAQs, Vodafone says that "from mid-June" Three UK customers would receive a 20% boost in 4G data speeds. But that only "within a few months" would Vodafone and Three customers be able to "automatically use each other's networks", in order to connect them to "the best coverage possible".

Today's outage appears to have come too early for customers to benefit from the merger.

When will Three UK's service resume?

Three UK have not offered customers a rough timeframe for when they can expect issues to be resolved.

The network's support agents have told customers "we don't have a timeframe to share at present."