Telstra's mobile network is beginning to return to normal after 3G services went down in central Melbourne and the inner suburbs.

The network went down shortly around 4pm.

Comment is being sought from the telco as to when service will resume.

Whirlpool tech forum users reported connection issues soon after 4pm, saying that 3G services in several inner suburbs were affected.

Forum users have since reported that the network is running in the CBD and some inner suburbs.