BT and Three Face Ofcom Investigation Over 999 Call Failures

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has launched an investigation into BT and Three, two major telecommunications providers, for allegedly failing to connect 999 calls. The investigation follows reports of numerous instances where emergency services were unable to establish contact with callers due to technical issues with the companies' networks. According to Ofcom, the investigation will focus on the companies' compliance with the UK's Emergency Services Network (ESN) regulations, which require providers to ensure that 999 calls are connected and handled promptly. "We take the reliability of emergency services very seriously, and we will be investigating these allegations thoroughly," said an Ofcom spokesperson. "We expect all telecommunications providers to meet their obligations under the ESN regulations, and we will take enforcement action if necessary." The investigation is the latest development in a long-standing issue with the UK's emergency services network, which has faced criticism for its reliability and performance. In 2020, Ofcom reported that 999 calls were being dropped or delayed due to technical issues with the network, leading to concerns about public safety. Since then, the regulator has worked with telecommunications providers to improve the network's performance, but it appears that more work is needed. Experts say that the issue is not just a matter of technical glitch, but also a symptom of a broader problem with the UK's telecommunications infrastructure. "The UK's emergency services network is a critical piece of infrastructure, and it requires a high level of investment and maintenance to ensure that it is reliable and effective," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a telecommunications expert at the University of Cambridge. "The fact that we are still seeing issues with 999 calls is a concern, and it highlights the need for greater investment in our telecommunications infrastructure." Ofcom's investigation is ongoing, and the regulator has not yet announced any specific findings or penalties. However, the investigation is likely to have significant implications for BT and Three, as well as for the wider telecommunications industry. As the regulator continues to investigate, it is clear that the issue of 999 call connectivity is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive solution. In a statement, BT said that it was cooperating fully with Ofcom's investigation and was committed to ensuring that its network was reliable and effective. Three also released a statement, saying that it was working closely with Ofcom to resolve the issue and ensure that its network was meeting the required standards.