GovWire

On Sunday 25 June 2023, BT experienced a technical fault lasting over 10 hours, which affected its ability to transfer 999 calls to the emergency authorities. This caused significant disruption to 9,641 unique callers who were unable to access emergency services via 999/112, with many more delayed or disrupted.

DSIT has worked with all relevant parties involved in the delivery of the 999 system including:

• BT
• government departments
• all the emergency services

to identify the lessons learnt and put in place immediate measures to prevent a recurrence and ensure appropriate resilience is in place so that the public can continue to access the emergency services through 999.

The reviews recommendations are focused on continuing good risk management practice across the system, improving His Majestys Government (HMGs) oversight improving public communications for advice on what to do in the event of any such incident, and exercising to test the resilience of the system to a range of different scenarios.

With the most critical recommendations already delivered, HMG will continue to oversee the implementation of all the remaining recommendations in recognition of the vital role that 999 plays in the safety, health and security of the country.