Another major telco outage has raised the question: what happens when you call triple-zero and can’t get through?

This week, Telstra blamed a software defect for a national outage that disrupted phones, payments and transport – and left more than 300 triple-zero calls failing to connect. The communications watchdog is now investigating.

It comes after last year’s catastrophic Optus failure, when a 13-hour outage blocked hundreds of emergency calls across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and was linked to deaths.

ACMA opened an investigation into Optus, but still hasn’t published final findings.

Today, journalist and Crikey contributor Michael Sainsbury – on what went wrong at Optus and how the government’s choices led us here.

This episode was originally published in September 2025.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Journalist and Crikey contributor, Michael Sainsbury

Photo: AAP Image/George Chan

Another major telco outage has raised the question: what happens when you call triple-zero and can&rsquo;t get through?
This week, Telstra blamed a software defect for a national outage that disrupted phones, payments and transport &ndash; and left more than 300 triple-zero calls failing to connect. The communications watchdog is now investigating.
It comes after last year&rsquo;s catastrophic Optus failure, when a 13-hour outage blocked hundreds of emergency calls across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and was linked to deaths.
ACMA opened an investigation into Optus, but still hasn&rsquo;t published final findings.
Today, journalist and&nbsp;Crikey contributor Michael Sainsbury &ndash; on what went wrong at Optus and how the government&rsquo;s choices led us here.
This episode was originally published in September 2025.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Journalist and Crikey contributor, Michael Sainsbury
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/George Chan

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Labor’s guilt in the Triple Zero failures

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/310c7843-ca44-40be-a319-b48300549e77/transcript