O2 outrage: Thousands across Greater Manchester suffer further phone problems as network operator crashes

By Dean Wilkins

Disgruntled O2 customers across Greater Manchester are experiencing further signal problems after the operator’s network crashed.

The fault began yesterday when data services and text messaging services were down – the problem then spread to a wipeout of signal and connections.

The difficulties are not experienced by all 23million customers at once, and services can restore themselves after changing locations.

But millions of users, including Tesco and Giffgaff customers who use O2 masts, are affected by the malfunction.

A statement issued by O2 this morning read: “We can confirm that our 2G network service has now been restored. Customers who were affected should now be able to make and receive calls.

“Our 3G service is starting to restore and customers should expect to see a gradual return of data services as the day progresses.

“Customers affected may wish to try switching their mobile phones off and on as service returns.

“We are sorry again for the inconvenience this has caused some customers and can provide reassurance that we continue to deploy all possible resources, and will do so until full service is restored.”

Thousands have taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their unhappiness with the UK’s biggest mobile phone operator.

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