‘Trying to run a business here’: Significant outage affects Telstra customers ability to make phone calls

After a 12-and-a-half-hour outage, Telstra has fixed an issue that prevented customers from performing a crucial task on their phones.

After a 12-and-a-half-hour outage, Telstra has fixed an issue that left customers unable to make or receive phone calls.

Australians raged through Monday night and into Tuesday morning as a widespread outage impacted Telstra customers across the country.

“The issue affecting mobile calls is now fixed. Mobile data and calls to Triple Zero if you had coverage were not affected at any stage,” a Telstra spokesman said.

“We‘re sorry for the impact this had to people’s days. Our team worked to get everyone calling again as quickly as possible.”

✔️ 10:05AM UPDATE Good news! The issue affecting mobile calls is now fixed. Massive thanks for sticking with us as we sorted it out. Some customers may need to retry calling if it doesn’t work the first time, or switch airplane mode on and off, but then you'll be good to go.

— Telstra (@Telstra) May 9, 2023

The issue that began last night caused difficulties with making and receiving phone calls.

However, Telstra assured its customers that calls to Triple-Zero and mobile data were unaffected.

The issue was reported nationwide on Monday night and Tuesday morning, but by Tuesday morning, the telco said it was limited to primarily limited to two states.

“Majority of those affected are now in NSW and QLD,” Telstra said in an update at 8.30am.

“Triple-0 calls continue to work where you have mobile coverage. We know you rely on your mobile, and we’ll keep you posted as we hear more.”

Downdetector’s reading on the Telstra outages as of Tuesday, 8.30am.

According to the real-time tech intelligence network Downdetector, reports began at 10pm.

Customers were advised to switch aeroplane mode on and off or to try using Wi-Fi calling or other apps like FaceTime if they encounter problems.

“We’re sorry for the late-night hassle for our customers,” an update on its website read.

Customers, in particular business owners, vented their frustrations with the telco directly on its social media feeds.

“Trying to run a business here – no phone,” one customer wrote directly to the company’s Twitter page.

“Cheers, Telstra, running a business, and the phone won’t take calls or make them,” another wrote.

“Wow, Telstra – hope no one tries to call me for a job,” wrote another.

If you’re having trouble with calls on your mobile this morning, we’re working urgently to fix it. We’re sorry to mess with the start of your day.

❗ Triple Zero and mobile data aren’t affected

✈️ Switching Airplane mode on/off can fix the issue for some customers

— Telstra (@Telstra) May 8, 2023