Phone networks jammed following London blasts

Infrastructure 'unharmed'

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Telecoms, 7th July 2005 11:31 GMT

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Phone networks have been jammed today following a series of blasts that hit London's public transport network this morning.

Mobile networks in particular have been put under pressure as people use their phones to contact friends and family following the explosions.

In a statement Vodafone said: "Understandably we are experiencing significant network congestion but we are working closely with the emergency services.

"In these circumstances, we would ask all of our customers in Central London to avoid making unnecessary or lengthy phone calls.

BT has also reported that its network is intact although it is witnessing a massive spike in calls.

A spokesman told The Register: "The fixed line infrastructure is unharmed. However, due to the sheer volume of calls we are expereincing some congestion problems. It might take a little longer for calls to get through."

He also urged people "only make essential calls" to help ease congestion.

At midday Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a short press conference during which he described today's "terrible events" as a "series of terrorist attacks".

Earlier it had been thought that power surges were to blame for the explosions along London's underground network. ®