SoftBank networks hit by Ericsson software glitch

softbank ericsson
Image credit: Ned Snowman / Shutterstock.com

SoftBank, the third largest mobile operator inJapan, suffered a service disruption on its mobile and fixed-line networks due to faulty software from its equipment supplier Ericsson, which also impacted the vendor’s customers outside of Japan.

SoftBank said the more than four-hour outage was caused by Ericsson-made software errors related to its packet switches, covering customers nationwide. “We deeply apologise to our customers for all inconveniences it caused. We will strive to take all measures to prevent the same network outage,” it said.

The Swedish-based vendor issued a statement acknowledging disturbances in some of its customers’ networks, noting it identified the issue and has taken action to minimise impact and support the restoration of services. It did not name the customers or the countries impacted.

The company said most of the affected customers’ network services have been restored: “We are working closely with the remaining customers that are still experiencing issues.”

Borje Ekholm, president and CEO of Ericsson, said: “The faulty software that caused these issues is being decommissioned and we apologise not only to our customers but also to their customers. We work hard to ensure that our customers can limit the impact and restore their services as soon as possible.”

A total of 11 Ericsson customers, included O2in the UK, were impacted by the software error, which the vendor said had been in operation for nine months, noting the networks were recovered to normal operation by adapting the older version of the software to all packet switching machines.

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