Power cut hits radio network

Digital radio systems used by Greater Manchester emergency services failed for 15 minutes on Thursday (21 July) night.

The Airwave network — used instead of mobile networks — is meant to provide a fail-safe digital service, but about 70 fire crews, 80 ambulances and many police had to use their phones instead.

The failure of the multi-million pound system was blamed on a power cut at a telephone exchange.

The system will be used by thousands of Olympic Games staff next year.

An Airwave spokesman said that the system’s back-up system was restored to full service within 15 minutes, which is well within the service agreements and that the system has a multi-layered defence against failure.