BT and EE Customers Face Network Outages Amid Financial Market Updates and House Price Forecast
On Thursday, 24 July 2025, thousands of BT and EE customers across the UK experienced significant network outages, leaving many unable to make or receive calls. This disruption unfolded alongside notable financial news including forecasts for a 25% rise in house prices over the next five years and updates on savings products. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key developments affecting consumers and investors today.
BT and EE Mobile Network Outages Disrupt Thousands of Users
From around 11 a.m., users of BT and EE networks reported widespread difficulties with making and receiving calls, with the outage confirmed by monitoring service Downdetector, which showed spikes in user complaints this afternoon. Additionally, some customers on other networks also reported connectivity problems during this period.
A notice on EE’s official website stated: “We’re working urgently to fix the problem and will provide further updates as soon as possible. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.” Ernest Doku, mobile expert at comparison site Uswitch, highlighted the importance of restoring service quickly, emphasizing the critical role mobile and landline networks play in accessing essential and emergency services.
Customers seeking to verify if their mobile network is down are advised to consult platforms like Downdetector, which track reported outages in real time. Doku also noted the possibility of receiving compensation in cases where the outage is prolonged. For landlines, Ofcom stipulates compensation starting at ÂŁ9.98 if the fault persists beyond two working days following notification.
Financial Market Insights: House Price Outlook and Savings Bond Update
In parallel with the network issues, Lloyds Bank’s chief executive Charlie Nunn provided insight into interest rate movements and the housing market. Speaking on Sky News’ Business Live, Nunn projected two additional base rate cuts this year, anticipating the Bank of England’s rate to fall to 3.5% by next year, from the current 4.25%. Despite some softening in the housing market over summer, he expects a moderate 2% to 3% increase in house prices by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, National Savings & Investments (NS&I) announced a modest increase in interest rates for its one-year British Savings Bonds, now offering a 4.18% Annual Equivalent Rate (AER), up from 4.05%. While this represents a slight improvement, personal finance expert Laura Suter cautioned savers to temper expectations, noting that the rates are still comparatively lower than in previous years when the bonds initially launched at 6.2%. The NS&I bonds boast government backing, offering security but with the trade-off of no early withdrawal options.
Other Consumer and Economic Updates
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Waitrose Food has launched a “last-minute” travel money service across 100 stores, allowing shoppers to conveniently purchase euros and US dollars alongside their holiday essentials.
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TalkTalk will discontinue free email services for thousands of former customers from 31 October, requiring affected users to migrate to a paid service run by Everymail.
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The Henley Passport Index updated its rankings, naming Singapore as the holder of the most powerful passport with visa-free access to 193 countries.
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Notably, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a new trade deal worth at least £6 billion, heralded as a “historic day” strengthening UK-India relations and expected to boost the UK economy significantly.
For consumers facing network issues, the advice is to stay informed through official channels as providers work to restore services. Meanwhile, the broader economic forecasts suggest cautious optimism for homebuyers and savers, albeit within a complex global environment.
Stay tuned for more detailed reports and expert financial guidance at Smart Money Mindset.