Three customers furious as they claim they didn't receive 'emergency alert'
Disgruntled Three customers have taken to social media to complain they did not recieve an emergency alert that was supposed to be sent to 4.5 million people ahead of Storm Eowyn
Disgruntled Three customers have taken to social media to complain they did not recieve an emergency alert that was supposed to be sent to 4.5 million people ahead of Storm EowynThree customers have criticised the network (
Image: PA)
Furious Three customers have slammed the mobile network after claiming they didn't receive an "emergency alert" ahead of Storm Eowyn.
It was estimated 4.5 million people were set to hear a warning siren from their mobile phones at 6pm, which was sent to people in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the Met Office has issued a rare "red alert" warning.
Forecasters warn that winds could reach up to 100mph, with "flying debris resulting in danger to life". People are also urged to be aware of the risk of large waves in coastal areas, dangerous driving conditions due to fallen trees, and potential power cuts and damage to buildings.
But some Three customers claimed they did not receive the warning to their devices as they took to social media to contact the mobile network. One person wrote: "I know Three are rubbish but I didnât even get the emergency alert that was supposed to be sent to ALL PHONES in the red alert area. Really poor."
Another added: So the UK Government is / was sending out an alert to all mobiles in the affected areas re the upcoming storm Eowyn - that is unless you are a customer of Three in which case you'll just have to take your chances. Thanks Three !."
Three customers claimed they did not receive the warning (
Image:
NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Three had posted on social media to say they were "aware" of the issue, writing on X: "We're aware of an issue affecting a small percentage of voice services, our team are working hard to fix this as soon as possible. We're really sorry for any inconvenience caused. Data services and 999 calls are unaffected, please bear with us."
They later said in an update: "We're aware of an ongoing issue affecting a small percentage of voice services and are working hard to fix it. Data services are unaffected. We're really sorry if you've been affected by this." Three customers responded to the post, with one saying: "It's certainly NOT a small percentage of customers....." and "I believe that weâve all missed out on this emergency text.!
Storm Eowyn is expected to whip up gale-force winds (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
It comes as the"Armageddon alert" system, first launched in 2023, is deployed in emergencies, such as during the recent Storm Darragh when over 3 million people were told to stay indoors to avoid 90mph winds. The Met Office warned those in affected areas to avoid travelling and "stay indoors if you can".
The Cabinet Office said: "The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday 24th January, meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
"In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue Emergency Alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.
"Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. Approximately 4.5 million people will receive the Emergency Alert in the largest real life use of the tool to date. The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption."