Emergency 999 Calls: BT Phone Lines Experiencing Technical Issues
Key Highlights :
Emergency services across the country have reported difficulties connecting to 999 calls due to a system failure with BT phone lines. Several police forces and other emergency services have since confirmed that they are now able to receive 999 calls again, although some have warned that calls may take longer than usual to be connected due to the residual impact of the national fault.
BT has reported the issue and has urged people to call 999 as usual, with their back-up platform now working. A BT spokesman said, “Early this morning we experienced a problem with the 999 service. The situation is fast-moving as we fix the problem and our back up platform is now working – so people should call 999 as usual. We will provide updates as the issue is resolved.”
The issue has caused some disruption to emergency services, with some urging people to only call 999 in a genuine emergency. A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said, “We are aware of technical difficulties with 999 emergency calls due to a national issue with the line. Please continue to use 999 for fire and rescue emergencies at the moment. Back-up systems are in place, however calls may take longer than usual to be connected.”
In the event of an emergency, East Sussex Fire Control has advised people to contact them directly using the number 013273 90092. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also tweeted this information, urging people to use the number in the event of an emergency.
It is important to remember to only call 999 in a genuine emergency. If you are experiencing a non-emergency issue, you should contact your local police station or other emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should dial 999 as soon as possible.
BT is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and they have advised people to call 999 as usual. The issue has caused some disruption to emergency services, but it is reassuring to know that back-up systems are now in place. It is important to remember to only call 999 in a genuine emergency, and to contact your local police station or other emergency service in the event of a non-emergency issue.
