KPN

History

2019: Large-scale failure in network

On June 24, 2019 in network of national telecommunication operator Royal KPN of Holland there was a large-scale failure as a result of which all emergency services of the country were left without communication. People could not call by mobile and landline telephones.

Because of a problem which arose approximately at 4 p.m. local time the single system of the emergency help "112" was disconnected. By this number it is possible to contact police, ambulance and fire.

All Dutch emergency services were left without communication

The authorities through social networks recommended to citizens who need the help, to come independently to police stations and hospitals. Law enforcement officers with radio sets took to the streets to help the population in case of emergency.

By means of special service of the notification via mobile phones information on alternative number was sent to residents of the country. Also announced some municipalities and the large companies problems with communication.

The military police which protects the international borders temporarily increased the presence at the airports and other places where the high level of security is required.

Though failure occurred at KPN, it concerned also other telecommunication providers as those use infrastructure of the national operator.

According to Reuters, emergency services were without communication about four hours. To 11 a.m. Tuesdays, June 25, 2019, in KPN did not state the failure reason. The company only assumed that the problem is not connected with cyber attack.

Anna Posthumus, the press secretary of the National coordinator on security and fight against terrorism, also noted that "too early to speak" about possible attack of hackers.

The news agency calls the happened shutdown of communication the largest in the history of Holland which is proud of technical capabilities of the telecommunication infrastructure.^[1]

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