O2 mobile users suffer network problems across UK

Thousands of O2 mobile subscribers have lost voice and data services across the UK due to a problem with the network.

The firm said that it had begun experiencing issues "at lunchtime" but was unable to explain the cause.

GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile customers - who also make use of O2's masts - have also been affected.

O2 said the problem is not based on geography. Some subscribers still have connections at the same location as others who do not.

A statement on the firm's website said: "Those customers affected will have difficulty making or receiving calls, sending texts or using data. Our engineers are dealing with the problem as a priority and we hope to restore full service as soon as possible."

Many users wrote messages on Twitter to complain about the issue.

"Starting to get silly now, six hours without service isn't good enough in this day and age," wrote Coronation Street actor Chris Fountain.

"Leaving you the first chance I get," messaged another of the firm's customers.

But others said they were unaffected.

"Everyone's complaining about O2 reception, mine's been working fine all day," wrote one user.

Customers can keep track of developments via O2's service status page.