Have you ever picked up your phone and couldn’t call anyone? That’s exactly what happened to many people in the UK on June 25, 2025. This issue was called the Three network down problem. In this article, we’ll explain what happened, why it occurred, who was affected, and what steps were taken to fix it.
What Is the Three Network?
Three is one of the largest mobile phone service providers in the United Kingdom. It allows users to make phone calls, send text messages, and access the internet on their mobile devices. Smaller providers like SMARTY and iD Mobile also rely on Three’s network infrastructure, meaning any issue with Three affects their users too.
What Does “Three Network Down” Mean?
The phrase “Three network down” refers to a disruption in the mobile service where users are unable to make or receive calls and send messages. On June 25, users across the UK reported major problems with these core services. Though mobile internet remained mostly functional, basic calling features were severely impacted.
When Did the Outage Occur?
The issue began on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, around 7:45 AM. Many users quickly noticed that their phones were unable to connect calls or send text messages. While mobile data services like 4G and 5G continued to function for most, regular voice communication was unavailable for hours.
What Services Were Affected?
The main services affected were:
- Voice calls
- SMS text messaging
People could not call family, work contacts, or even emergency services in some cases. This led to a lot of confusion and concern. Internet-based services, such as WhatsApp, YouTube, and online apps, were still accessible using mobile data or Wi-Fi.
How Widespread Was the Issue?
The outage impacted thousands of users nationwide. Major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow reported widespread disruptions. Even users in smaller towns experienced connectivity failures. Many took to social media to share their frustration and seek updates.
How Did Three Respond?
Three acknowledged the issue early in the day. They posted official updates through their website and social media platforms. Their initial statement said:
“We’re aware that some of our customers are experiencing issues making and receiving calls. Our teams are working to restore services as quickly as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
They continued to provide updates throughout the day as technicians worked on resolving the problem.
How Long Did It Last?
The outage lasted for most of the day. Some customers reported partial service restoration by midday, while others had to wait until late evening for normal service to return. By around 10:00 PM, Three confirmed that the majority of services were back online. However, a small number of users continued facing issues into the next morning.
Were Emergency Numbers Affected?
There were reports that some users were unable to call 999, the UK emergency number, during the outage. This caused understandable concern. Three later clarified that the emergency services were still operational but confirmed they were investigating specific cases where access may have failed. The UK government requested a full report to ensure the safety of emergency communication.
How Did Users Cope During the Outage?
With traditional calling down, users turned to alternative methods:
- Using WhatsApp voice or video calls
- Attending meetings via Zoom or Google Meet
- Communicating through email and messaging apps
Despite these options, many people missed important calls, job interviews, or appointments, especially those who relied solely on voice calling for communication.
What Was the Cause of the Outage?
Three did not provide detailed technical information about the cause. They stated it was a technical issue within their system, possibly related to software or hardware failure. The lack of specifics left some customers frustrated, although such details are often withheld during ongoing investigations.
Is This a First-Time Issue?
No. Network outages have happened before, not just with Three but also with other providers like O2, Vodafone, and EE. While not frequent, these incidents remind users and companies of the importance of system reliability.
What Did the Government Say?
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, requested a formal explanation from Three. Their goal is to ensure that mobile networks handle such events responsibly and follow all safety regulations. Ofcom may also assess if any rules were broken or if new measures should be introduced.
Will Customers Receive Compensation?
Three stated they are reviewing the situation and will consider offering compensation to affected customers. This may include:
- Account credits
- Bill reductions
- Free data, calls, or texts
Customers who experienced financial loss or serious inconvenience are encouraged to file a complaint directly with Three’s customer service.
What Can You Do If This Happens Again?
Here are a few steps to stay prepared:
- Use Wi-Fi for internet-based communication apps.
- Keep backup communication apps like WhatsApp or Messenger ready.
- Inform loved ones via social media or email if normal calls fail.
- Consider keeping a backup SIM from a different provider.
What Did We Learn?
This outage highlighted how much we depend on mobile phones for daily life. It reminded users to:
- Have backup communication methods.
- Stay calm and follow official updates.
- Not rely solely on one network for emergencies or important communication.
Did It Affect Other Companies?
Yes. Since providers like SMARTY and iD Mobile use Three’s infrastructure, their users also experienced the same problems. These companies advised customers to follow Three’s updates for information.
Is the Problem Resolved?
Yes. By the evening of June 25, Three reported that most network services had been restored. Minor issues continued for a few users the next day, but overall, the situation has been resolved. The company also said they are checking their systems to prevent future outages.
Why Is This Important?
Mobile phones are essential for modern life—used for work, school, personal communication, and emergencies. A network failure shows just how crucial these systems are and why providers must ensure strong, reliable services at all times.
What Happens Next?
Three is continuing to monitor its systems and working to strengthen its network. Ofcom will assess the event to decide if further action or new regulations are needed. Meanwhile, users are advised to be aware of communication alternatives in case of future disruptions.
FAQs – Three Network Down
What does “Three network down” mean?
It means that Three’s mobile network services stopped working. Users couldn’t make phone calls or send text messages, although internet data services were mostly unaffected.
When did the issue start?
The outage began on June 25, 2025, at around 7:45 AM and lasted through most of the day.
What services were affected?
Mainly voice calls and SMS messages. Internet services like 4G and 5G continued to work for most users.
Who else was affected besides Three customers?
Customers using SMARTY, iD Mobile, and other providers that rely on Three’s network also experienced the outage.
Could people call emergency services?
Some users reported difficulty reaching 999. Three said emergency systems were active, but they are reviewing the issue with government regulators.
How long did it take to fix the problem?
Most users regained normal service by 10:00 PM on June 25. Some continued experiencing minor issues the next day.
Why did this happen?
Three described the cause as a technical issue within their network systems. They have not shared detailed information publicly.
What did users do during the outage?
People switched to apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, or Messenger for communication using their mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Will customers get compensation?
Three is evaluating compensation options, which may include account credits or bill reductions. Affected customers can contact Three directly.
Has Three had similar problems before?
Yes. While not frequent, network outages have occurred before with Three and other UK providers.
Can it happen again?
It’s possible, though mobile providers continually work to improve network stability and prevent future disruptions.
How can I stay prepared if it happens again?
Use Wi-Fi-based communication apps, keep a backup SIM or device, and follow official updates from Three through their website or social media.
Is the network fully restored now?
Yes. Three confirmed that services were mostly restored by the night of June 25, 2025, and their team continues to monitor the network.
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