Network crash silences thousands of mobile users at O2

The problem, which extended across the country, was not affecting all of the network’s 23 million customers but “thousands” were hit, the company said.

Some may also have had problems using data services and to add to the difficulties, the company’s web page, which displays live information about network coverage, was down last night.

An O2 spokeswoman said: “We are currently seeing a problem on our network affecting some of our customers, who will have difficulty making or receiving calls, sending texts or using data.

“We apologise to those customers inconvenienced by this. Our engineers are dealing with the problem as a priority and we hope to restore full service as soon as possible.”

BBC television presenter Huw Edwards (@huwbbc) tweeted: “6 hours of non-service and counting, simply not good enough, O2.”

O2 urged customers to check their Twitter and Facebook feeds for updates.