Tips for small businesses on reducing phone and internet problems
Sign up to products that meet your business needs
Consider your business needs
Before you enter an agreement, take the time to consider the phone and internet needs of your business. Know your budget. Know the length of time your business can commit to. Shop around for the right product.
Be aware of sales pressure
Even if you’re feeling pressured by a salesperson (whether in store or at your business), don’t rush your decision. Feel free to ask for an unsigned copy of the agreement you or an adviser can review later.
Understand what you’re signing
Carefully read the agreement and ask the provider to explain any terms you are uncertain about before signing. If you think a product does not meet the needs of your business, ask the provider about alternatives. Keep a full copy of the agreement you signed.
Make it easy for your provider to organise a new connection
Check your business’ address
When filling out an application form for an NBN service, check the business address you’ve provided matches the address in your lease agreement or utility bills. Tell your provider if your business operates from a shared office space, shopping strip, or shopping centre.
Allow enough time for connection
Allow your provider enough time to process your connection request, especially if you have multiple numbers or additional services (such as fax lines). Ask your provider for an estimate of connection time.
Keep existing phone services active
When waiting for a new phone service to be connected, keep your existing phone service active. This is because your provider can’t transfer a phone number associated with a disconnected service.
Work together with your provider to resolve faults
Know who is responsible for fixing the fault
If a fault arises, check your phone and internet agreements to ensure you’re contacting the right party for assistance.
Be part of the solution
Make yourself or your staff available to complete troubleshooting of the fault. Keep a record of the troubleshooting steps you’ve taken.
Actively communicate with the provider
Maintain regular contact with your provider, answer questions and supply information you think will help identify the cause of the fault.
Develop a back-up plan to avoid financial loss
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.
For more information about claiming compensation, please see our Factsheet Consumer guide to compensation for financial loss.