EE Mobile Broadband Faces Disruption as Customers Report Network Outages
We rely on our phones more than ever. Whether it’s for work, school, or staying in touch, mobile broadband has become a lifeline. That’s why the recent outage affecting EE mobile broadband hit hard for many in the UK hard. On July 24, 2025, thousands of EE (and BT) customers reported being unable to make or receive calls. The problem wasn’t just limited; it stretched across major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The fault was serious enough for EE to declare a “P1 critical incident,” meaning it was a top-priority problem. We will walk you through what happened, why it happened, how EE responded, and what it all means for people who depend on mobile broadband every day.
Overview of the Outage
The disruption started around 11 a.m. BST on July 24, according to reports. Users watching Downdetector saw a steep jump in outage reports. At its peak, more than 2,600 EE customers said they couldn’t access voice calling services. Although many people could still use data (4G/5G) for web browsing or apps, the outage hit voice services hard; calls in and out, landlines, and even emergency (999) calls were disrupted for some. According to BT, which owns EE, they had a “technical fault impacting voice services.”
Customer Reactions and Complaints
As news of the outage spread, social media lit up. Users flocked to X (formerly Twitter), online forums, and Downdetector to report problems. One common theme: people couldn’t make or answer calls. Others said their mobile broadband “worked” in terms of data, but calling was broken. Some customers also flagged that they could not reach EE’s own customer service; the helpline was down while the network issues persisted. For people who rely on their phones not just for data, but for communication, the outage felt especially serious.
Potential Causes of the Outage
So, why did EE go down? Reports suggest the root cause was software-related, specifically within EE’s voice calling infrastructure. ISPreview, a UK broadband news site, said the fault impacted some users’ ability to make outbound mobile calls, and even some landline routing was disrupted. Some of the problems also seemed to affect MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators), smaller carriers that use EE’s network infrastructure, like Lyca Mobile and Spusu. That suggests the issue wasn’t just local; it was deeper in EE’s core systems.
Because of how phone calls are routed between different networks, a failure in EE’s voice core can ripple out and prevent other networks from connecting with EE numbers.
EE’s Response and Measures Taken
EE didn’t ignore the problem. They officially declared a P1 critical incident, which is their highest level of severity. A spokesperson said they were working “urgently” to fix the fault. By the next day, EE and BT announced that the issue was resolved, and voice services were back to normal. They apologized for the disruption and assured customers that 999 calls, for emergencies, had been restored.
Ofcom, the UK’s telecom regulator, is believed to be looking into the outage’s scale and cause. For some affected users, this kind of investigation could matter. If service isn’t fixed quickly, some customers may be eligible for compensation under Ofcom’s rules for service resilience. In the meantime, EE advised customers to check their network checker page to see if their area was impacted and to report any issues.
Industry Context and Similar Past Incidents
This isn’t the first time EE or BT has faced big network problems. Telecom networks are complex, and when the pieces that connect calls between carriers fail, the effects can be widespread. Experts say that voice service routing is delicate. When a major part of the network fails, it can affect not just the carrier itself but also others who rely on its infrastructure.
This outage is a reminder: even in a world driven by data, voice calling remains critical, especially for emergencies. For networks like EE, keeping voice systems resilient is just as important as fast internet.
Impact on Users and Businesses
For many users, this outage was more than a nuisance. If you work from home, depend on mobile calls, or run a small business, losing voice service can disrupt everything. Calls don’t go through, clients can’t reach you, and you may lose important leads. Students and remote learners also suffered. Imagine you’re on a video call, then your phone rings, but you can’t answer. Or worse, you need to call someone and you just can’t.
For some underprivileged or vulnerable people who don’t have access to stable fixed broadband, mobile broadband is their only way to stay connected. For them, such outages can isolate them. On a broader scale, repeated disruptions can erode trust in EE’s brand and reliability.
Conclusion
The July 2025 outage of EE mobile broadband highlighted how even major networks can face sudden disruptions. Thousands of users were unable to make or receive calls, showing that voice services remain critical alongside data. EE responded quickly, declaring a P1 incident and restoring service within a day, but the disruption still caused inconvenience for remote workers, students, and everyday users. This event underscores the importance of network resilience and continuous investment in robust systems. For customers, it serves as a reminder to stay prepared for occasional outages and to rely on multiple ways to stay connected.
FAQS
Yes, many EE users recently reported not being able to make or receive calls, even though mobile data was still working.
First, check EE’s coverage checker to make sure there’s a network in your area. Then restart your router or device; if it still fails, call EE support or report the issue.
The outage was caused by a technical fault in EE’s voice‑calling network.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
