The problem, which arose on Tuesday, meant that O2 customers with pay monthly contracts with the carrier were unable to send e-mails and text messages or get online.
A statement for O2 accepted culpability for the fault and apologized for any inconvenience that its mobile phone customers may have experienced.
It read: “We have managed to restore data services to the vast majority of customers and are doing everything we can to ensure the few remaining customers are back online as soon as possible.
“We are very sorry for the loss of data service to our customers.”
The fault, which left voice calls unaffected, is believed to have been caused by a system which assigns network users with exclusive internet protocol (IP) address when they gain access to the data network.
O2 is the exclusive carrier of the iPhone 3G S in the UK and has also sealed sole rights to sell the much anticipated Palm Pre smartphone.
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