Telstra mobile in continental TITSUP

UPDATE Australia's dominant carrier, Telstra, is experiencing a total inability to support usual performance (TITSUP) on its mobile voice and data networks.

The carrier has over 16 million subscribers, no mean feat in a nation of 23 million, and charges a premium for mobile services on the basis of its networks' reach and reliability.

The latter quality is hard to argue for today, as the Tweet below shows.

We’re aware of an issue affecting mobile voice and data nationally. We’re working to resolve the issue ASAP. Thanks for your patience.

— Telstra (@Telstra) February 9, 2016

Telstra's service status page advises that 3G and 4G customers “may experience difficulties making or receiving voice calls or using data services in this area.” The area mentioned is “national”, i.e. the whole continent.

There's no word on the reason for the fault and Telstra's help desks and media comment lines are also melting down.

For now, #telstradown is as good a source as any for updates, but we'll do our best to bring you more as details emerge. ®

Update Telstra now says it's figured out the problem and its status page reports no ongoing problems with its mobile networks.

We've identified the issue and services are being restored progressively. Thank you for your patience. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

— Telstra (@Telstra) February 9, 2016