O2 network outage cripples cabbies card systems
Cab drivers found themselves struggling yesterday after the O2 data network developed a fault, leading to a major global network failure.
The global outage negated many drivers ability to process credit and debit cards, , as well as interupting taxi app services such as Gett, MyTaxi and TaxiApp. It has also affected Transport for London's bus network, meaning passengers have been unable to access timetable updates. Uber and Deliveroo have also been hamstrung by the network failure. Other network providers who "piggy-back"onto the O2 data network, such as Sky, Tesco and Giff Gaff have also been unable to function properly as the global outage caused chaos. In a statement to customers, O2 said: "We’re continuing to experience an issue affecting 2G, 3G and 4G data across the UK.
All O2 technical teams are working closely with one of our third party suppliers who has identified a global software issue in their system which has impacted data services. We believe other mobile operators around the world are also affected." Call services were also affected, leaving people unable to make or receive calls despite assurances from O2 that the service were not affected. Swedish telecoms company, Ericsson have confirmed that they had been working to fix the problem, which also affected the Softbank network in Japan as well a German networks. The outage first occurred at around 4.30 am on 6th December, leaving O2 customers, which make up 26% of all mobile phone users in the UK, scratching their heads Adam Nyman, Managing Director of communications retailer, Complete Communications, spoke exclusively to TaxiPoint, saying: "Over 25 Million O2 Customers across the UK, along with Sky Mobile, GiffGaff and Tesco mobile subscribers have faced total loss of Data services on their mobile phones and Data devices today since 4.30am. O2 hope to have services fully restored by 8am tomorrow. Friday 7th Dec. With so many industries and technological devices relying on Mobile Networks nowadays, maybe now is the time for full UK Roaming across Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three to give the best quality service with a greater reliability." O2 haven't indicated as to how long it may take to rectify the ongoing problem, although it is believed that full service may be resumed by Friday December 7th.