BT is experiencing significant issues with their BT Broadband service across the UK, leaving many customers without Internet access and others facing intermittent connectivity problems. The disruption began at approximately 6:50 AM this morning and has persisted since then. BT has acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a resolution.
Some BT Broadband customers have reported problems accessing websites this morning. Sorry, we’re aware of a problem & working to fix asap
— BTCare (@BTCare) July 20, 2016
Understanding the DNS Issue
The root of the problem appears to be a DNS (Domain Name System) issue. DNS is a critical component of the Internet’s infrastructure, translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. When DNS servers encounter problems, it can prevent users from accessing websites, even if their Internet connection is otherwise functional.
One potential workaround for affected users is to change their DNS settings. Google offers a Public DNS service that can be used as an alternative. To switch to Google’s Public DNS, users can configure their network settings to use the following IP addresses:
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
For detailed instructions on how to change DNS settings on various devices, you can visit Google’s Public DNS page [here](https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using).
Impact on BT Customers
The outage has had a widespread impact, affecting both residential and business customers. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, highlighting the importance of reliable Internet access in today’s connected world. For businesses, even a short disruption can lead to significant productivity losses and potential revenue impacts.
BT has not provided a specific timeline for when the issue will be resolved, but they have assured customers that their technical teams are working diligently to fix the problem. In the meantime, customers are advised to try the DNS workaround or use mobile data as an alternative if available.
Previous Incidents and Future Prevention
This is not the first time BT has faced such issues. Previous incidents have also been linked to DNS problems, prompting discussions about the robustness and redundancy of BT’s network infrastructure. To prevent future occurrences, BT may need to invest in more resilient systems and better contingency plans.
In conclusion, while BT works on resolving the current outage, customers can try changing their DNS settings as a temporary fix. The incident underscores the critical role of DNS in maintaining Internet connectivity and the need for robust infrastructure to support it. Let’s hope BT can resolve the issue promptly and take steps to prevent similar problems in the future.
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