A widespread Telstra mobile network outage has caused significant disruptions to regional train services across Victoria, with the entire V/Line network shut down.Commuters faced delays and stranded at stations like Southern Cross, with limited bus replacement services available.

The Department of Transport confirmed the outage is affecting rail operations, while the federal government warned Telstra of its responsibility to maintain emergency access during outages.Passengers are advised to defer travel until services resume, with no estimated time for repairs.Similar disruptions occurred in 2023 when an Optus outage caused Melbourne's train network to fail.

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in reliance on mobile networks for critical infrastructure, prompting calls for improved backup systems and emergency protocols.