Could Not Activate Mobile Data Network - PDP Authentication Failure.

[20212_q]

Hi there, 

Since Monday 25/04 I have had an on-off message popping around 6 to 8 times a day saying "Could not activate mobile data network. PDP authentication failure".

It happens very randomly, like in waves. I have tried all support I have found online:

• turn the phone off/on
• reset network settings
• take SIM out and place it back in
• airplane mode on-off
• change network selection from automatic to manual selection and select EE.

Nothing seems to work and after a few hours (or minutes), I get the annoying message again.

Details of interest:

• my device is an iPhone 13 Pro Max - unlocked and bought at Apple. Bought it over a month ago and never had issues before.
• I am on a monthly contract with an unlimited data plan with less than 40GB usage per month.
• the phone has the latest IOS, and there have not been reports of mobile data connectivity issues after the latest update anyways.
• my partner has also an iPhone with an EE SIM card (also a monthly contract) and he's not having this issue.
• My iPhone doesn't seem to have 3G option, only 4G and 5G. I never have 5G on because it's not that good tbh and it slows down.
• the four connection bars are either full or at 3 which is the usual.
• I have never had a VPN installed and VPN is not active on the phone.
• No issues have been reported in the area where I am (east London), but last Thursday (21/04) EE had maintenance works in the area. The typical text message they send you with the update.

I tried contacting EE CS, but after literally hours first waiting on the chat, then trying to explain the issue I was cut off instead of moved to the tech team (as confirmed) so ....

Hopefully someone can help before I gain the strength to contact CS again.

Thank you!

[chistery]

EE appear to be having a major network issue. Their twitter team are doing their normal job of denying there's any issue, despite lots of people complaining.

Hopefully they'll fix it soon.

[mfin]

It seems across the UK people have no signal from EE, or signal but no data.

It seems it has all started since 12pm lunchtime (BST).

Wifi-Calling is suggested in the meantime but that is not working either.

EE don't answer on 150.

The EE status checker has a Network Issues pop-up, and a Keep me Posted button, that leads to a form which does not work, when you submit it says 'Sorry, something went wrong'.

Is there any acknowledgement properly about this outage from EE?

(Downdetector confirm the reporting of issues, news outlets report it, and many people are reporting it on Twitter)

[Cherry123]

Cannot connect to network my phone is not making or receiving calls need to call home urgent paid extra £10.00 per month for roaming can you help

[_tabzx]

This is also the case with myself. I thought it was a glitch on my phone but my data doenst seem to be working either but I do have service. Strange

[MozzaSec]

I have full EE Signal and Data, where I am have been today, and just tried just now...  

And I have been in S and LS post codes this afternoon, and my EE test network sim is working fine as well. 

I think the pop up on the Coverage checker is about all you will get, and what people understand is no network offers a 100% service uptime...  

Nothing on El Reg or BBC... just Twitter

[Christopher_G]

Hi all.

Some customers are having problems making calls and using data on our network. We’re working as quickly as possible to fix this and we’re really sorry for any inconvenience caused. 

EE broadband and landline services are not affected and customers can use WiFi calling to stay connected.

Chris

[mfin]

Don't tell people they can use WifiCalling when WifiCalling is not working either!!

This is ridiculous.

Also all your contact mechanisms are not working!

[098765]

Exactly me experience and no way to contact GP or pharmacy or my consultant team at the hospital. BT have been able to patch for me when needed and have a dedicated support team for disabled users. Can't find anything for EE. So upsetting.

[Dinky1605]

Have been with EE for years and this last month has been terrible. Not able to call, use data or send messages. I would like some compensation and contact from someone from EE. Unable to do much so phone is a life line. Impossible to get through. What exactly is the issue and realistically how long can we expect until this issue is resolved. Contract is up so very tempted to look elsewhere. Advice on the best way to speak to someone? Frustrating as been weeks and weeks of unresolved issues in BS15 area

[Dinky1605]

Completely agree. Very difficult as need to contact son who is a teen and out but he is also EE