Ericsson’s software problem causes global smartphone malfunctions

Due to a problem with software in Ericsson equipment, there are worldwide failures in networks for mobile phones. TechCrunch reports that O2 users in Great Britain and SoftBank users in Japan, among others, are affected by this.

Due to the disruptions, it is not possible for users of the affected networks to connect to the Internet. Also apps that require an internet connection could not be used. However, the affected users still managed to go to social media to complain about their problems. In addition, the screens with live information at bus stations in London went out as a result of the disruptions.

The problem has arisen due to faulty software in specific Ericsson devices used in the mobile networks of affected companies. The problems occur in 11 countries, even though the company has not disclosed which countries are concerned, apart from Great Britain and Japan. The company also claims to minimize the impact. Yet millions of mobile customers worldwide would have been affected by the problems.

Ericsson states that an initial analysis shows that an outdated software certificate on the affected devices is the cause of the problems. The company says it is working hard to restore the services as quickly as possible. “The defective software that caused these problems will be removed and we apologize to our customers and to them customers,” said CEO Borje Ekholm.

Networks are working again

In the meantime, the O2 network is working again in Great Britain, according to various British media. SoftBank says that the problem was solved after 4.5 hours by going back to an older version of Ericsson’s software. Most of the networks are now operational again, but Ericsson continues to work closely with the remaining customers who are still experiencing problems.