Hundreds of users report internet outage as the service undergoes planned maintenance

• Sky warned of ‘essential maintenance’ leading to loss of broadband last night
• But even after maintenance was due to end customers are still reporting issues

It’s one of the most popular broadband networks in the UK, but it appears that Sky is experiencing issues this morning 

According to Down Detector, more than 700 customers across the country were affected by an outage around 6am BST on Wednesday.

Sky already said it would be conducting ‘essential maintenance’ leading to an ‘intermittent or complete loss of broadband’ between midnight at 6am. 

But after this maintenance was due to end customers are still reporting problems and are taking to X (Twitter) to complain. 

One frustrated user posted: ‘what is the score? No sky broadband/wifi in the Preston area since early hours. 

READ MORE Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook went down worldwide for 3 hours

‘The teenagers will be waking up at some point and it will turn into the Hunger games if not sorted.’

Of those who reported problems, 93 per cent said it was with their internet, 4 per cent with their phone, and 3 per cent a ‘total blackout’, according to Down Detector. 

Sky told MailOnline that this issue is affecting a ‘small number’ of customers in specific areas and is not a national issue. 

A Sky Broadband spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of an issue impacting some Sky Broadband customers. 

‘We’re working to get these impacted customers back online as soon as possible.’ 

Last night, Sky confirmed the planned maintenance work would affect people in the Gloucestershire area and gave a list of affected towns and cities, including Gloucester, Cirencester, Tetbury and Cricklade. 

However, Down Detector says the issue is more widespread, listing Manchester, Bolton, Birmingham and parts of London among the affected areas. 

Northern customers are also sharing their problems on X, with one saying: ‘is there a problem with sky broadband in Bury??

‘I don’t seem to have any internet connection and I’ve tried unplugging my hub etc and still nothing!! It’s been down since 4.30am?’

Another user replied: ‘Just came onto Twitter to try and see if I was the only one.

‘We’re in Totty [Tottington] and it’s down, I’ve tried everything. Meant to start work (from home) at 7’ 

On a discussion page on the Sky Community website, a Sky staff member said: ‘We’re aware of a multiple exchange outage affecting Broadband and Talk customers in the Bury area, including; Accrrington, Ashton on Ribble, Atherton, Catforth, Great Harwood, Kikham, Leigh, Ramsbottom, Tottington, Culceth, Bury and Culcheth. 

‘We apologise for the inconvenience but have the correct people working on it.’ 

One customer replied: ‘We do not have internet connection. Have unplugged everything twice and rebooted but still no connection for the past two hours.’ 

Another simply said: ‘This is absolutely ridiculous.’ 

You can check the status of your Sky internet by clicking this link and entering your landline number. 

Five tricks to cut broadband costs

Switch provider

Save money at the end of your contract — new customers often get cheap introductory offers which can mean you pay up to 90 per cent less than with a standard tariff. 

Broadband customers who switch away from the ‘big four’ providers (BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media) typically save as much as £190 on their bill; those with a TV and broadband deal could save over £200.

Always haggle 

Call to challenge your bill and save an average of £85 a year. Customers of the major providers usually save most, with the average Three customer shaving £45 off their bills.

Avoid price rises

Consider switching to a provider that doesn’t have price rises baked into its contracts. 

Hyperoptic, SSE, Utility Warehouse and Zen Internet never hike prices midway through a contract.

Bag extra discounts

Some providers offer mobile and energy deals or discounts on other services. For example, EE, Virgin Media and Vodafone offer discounted mobile phone deals, while SSE and Utility Warehouse often offer cheaper broadband and energy bundles.

Refer a friend

Many broadband providers offer bonuses if customers refer a friend. These usually come as a gift card, but some providers offer bill credit or money off your tariff.

Source: Which?