Develop a back-up plan to avoid financial loss
While most small businesses rely on phone and internet services, many do not have a back-up plan in place if a fault interrupts the services. When small businesses don’t take steps to reduce the impact of a fault, it can cause loss of income and make it harder for the business to ask for compensation from their provider.
We recommend small businesses and providers ensure there’s a back-up in place if phone or internet services are disrupted.
Tips for small businesses on reducing phone and internet problems
Be prepared with a back-up plan
Prepare a back-up plan in case there’s a fault with your phone or internet services. Consider what alternative services your business can rely on and what you can do to stay in touch with your customers. Check whether your provider offers interim services when faults occur.
Protect your business
Contact your provider to report the fault and take steps to protect your business.
For instance:
- When a telephone service fails, ask the provider to divert incoming calls to a mobile phone number
- When an internet service fails, purchase a mobile internet device
- When a telephone number is lost, advertise an alternative number
Be prepared if you want to claim
To claim compensation for business loss, you will need to show the steps you took to protect your business and demonstrate the loss you incurred as a result of your provider not meeting its obligations.
Resources
Download the Tip sheet for small businesses on reducing phone and internet problems
Download the Tip sheet for phone and internet providers on assisting small businesses
Download the systemic investigation report "Addressing the causes of small business complaints"
Download the consumer guide to What to do if your business loses services