Telstra Says Timing and Missing Firmware Led to Nationwide Mobile Outage
An external investigation accepted by Telstra’s CEO found a nationwide July mobile outage was caused by Telstra not treating a network timing system as critical infrastructure. A missing firmware update and alarms checked only during business hours meant staff on duty couldn’t locate servers or records when the outage began. The disruption cut people off from Triple Zero, halted trains, and disabled eftpos, while Telstra missed failed emergency calls and did not complete required welfare checks.