PERSL are aware that many of our members and their clients were and continue to be impacted by the widespread Telstra network outage on Wednesday, July 8th. 

Telstra identified a widespread nationwide mobile network outage that began at approximately 4:30 am AEST on Wednesday, July 8, caused by a software defect. Telstra’s CFO Michael Ackland confirmed that services were largely restored and fully resolved by 4:00 pm AEST that day.  However, Telstra acknowledged a lingering secondary issue impacting over 100,000 customers regarding specific calls, including emergency numbers, and advised trying a different phone or waiting up to 90 seconds for an alternate network to kick in.

Because this was a major incident, Telstra published ongoing updates directly via their Telstra Outages Page and posted broader statements on the Telstra Exchange. Here are the key details and updates shared:

• Cause: Telstra isolated the issue to a software defect impacting data centre time-keeping nodes.
• Services Affected: Voice calls, mobile data, and critical systems (including external telecommunication links on regional rail networks in Victoria and NSW) were widely disrupted.
• Triple Zero (000): Dozens of emergency calls were affected, forcing rerouting to alternative networks. Telstra legally committed to conducting welfare checks on any failed Triple Zero call attempts.

The Hon Anika Wells MP (Minister for Communications) has stated that the Australian Communications and Media Authority will conduct a full investigation, and Telstra will need to account for how and why this outage occurred.  https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/wells/media-release/statement-telstra-outage

PERSL will actively advocate to the Australian Government for greater collaboration with our industry, ensuring the voices and needs of vulnerable Australians who depend on these life-saving services are prioritised.