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Welcome to the ACCC > For consumers > Communications > Internet services > Got a problem or complaint about your internet service?

Got a problem or complaint about your internet service?

1. Try to resolve it with the service provider

If you have a problem with an internet service, don't ignore it. Try and sort it out with the service provider—there are rules that require them to make a genuine effort to deal with your problem quickly. Here's what you need to do:

  • be ready to provide details of your complaint and have any relevant documents handy
  • explain what resolution you would like the provider to provide
  • keep detailed notes of any contact you have with the provider including dates, times, the names of who you spoke to and what they told you—this may be useful if you have to take the matter further
  • if you are not happy with the advice of the first staff member you speak to, insist on speaking to a manager.

2. Contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

If you're not happy with resolution offered by the service provider, you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). The TIO is a free and independent service for residential customers and small business in Australia that can help you resolve disputes with internet providers.

To lodge a complaint with the TIO you will need to provide details of:

  • the complaint
  • the steps you have taken to resolve the problem with the service provider
  • how you would like the service provider to resolve your problem.

Complaints to the TIO can be made by the person with the problem, or a parent or guardian (for persons under 18 years of age).

3. Contact the ACCC if you think you have been misled

If you think you were given misleading information about a service, including in an advertisement or by a person, you can contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502. It is an offence for any business to mislead consumers and we may be able to investigate.

Related topics on the ACCC website

Internet banking in For consumers
Scams & online shopping in For consumers
Scams & you
Wireless broadband
Internet phone services (VoIP)
Things to know before you get a broadband internet service in For consumers

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