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Ofcom investigates BT for 999 disruption

28/06/23

Communications regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into BT following a UK-wide disruption of emergency call services.

This comes after reports of calls failing to connect because of technical fault on 25 June.

Although the issues were resolved by the evening of that day, Ofcom said that said BT, which provides emergency call handling services for 999 calls, is required with other handlers to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency organisations as part of any call services offered.

It is also required to take all necessary measures to ensure the fullest possible availability of calls and internet in the event of catastrophic network breakdown or in cases of force majeure.

Establish the facts

“Our investigation will seek to establish the facts surrounding the incident and examine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that BT has failed to comply with its regulatory obligations,” Ofcom said.

According to a BBC report, BT has been carrying out its own investigation into what happened and expects to share its findings with Ofcom, the Government and emergency services today.

 

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