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Loading...By Warren Pryer, Equinox
Complaints to telecoms providers from businesses and consumers in the UK are increasing. These focus on a wide range of issues including sub-standard quality of internet connections and missed appointments.
When problems arise you need to complain. What are your options for doing this and getting compensated for poor connection and service?
Image: Jump Story
First Steps for Getting the Problem Fixed
You may assume that modern technology allows all telecoms businesses to be able to identify when something isn’t working. Surely, they should be able to quickly and easily fix problems so that your service isn’t impacted? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes they can, but most of the time, they will need you to tell them what has happened and when.
As soon as you notice a problem, make a note of what you perceive the problem to be, and when it started. Contact them to tell them of the issue; it is from this point that the compensation clock starts ticking. Different companies have different times as their deadline for that day (otherwise the clock starts the next working morning), so check with your providers about when you have to report an issue by.
Treat the Call Center Staff With Respect
When you do call always be nice to the person you talk to. It isn’t their fault your telecoms aren’t working and you are likely to be one of very few who are nice. They are far more likely to give you what you seek, compared to if you rip into them as if they had personally cut your internet connection!
Many call center staff will have permission to apply small credits to your account. The likelihood of them mentioning it is almost certainly directly related to how nice you are when you call.
Review the Details of Your Contract
Particularly if you’re working through a reseller or broker, check what your contract says. Their terms and conditions may differ from the actual telecoms provider.
If you didn’t read your contract in full before you signed it, shame on you. However, that doesn’t mean all is lost (refer to the point above). They aren’t likely to let you out of the contract (at least not willingly), but they may apply credits to your account if something is clearly not as it should be.
Automatic Compensation Schemes
Here’s a little good news. Due to the volume of complaints – and the improvement in technology – many companies are either signing up for Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme , or they are setting up their own.
Since 1st April 2019, BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, and Zen Internet have agreed to provide set compensation levels after set periods of time. Vodafone hasn’t joined the Ofcom scheme, but they have set up their own, with the same compensation payments. The bad news is that these are residential schemes, not for businesses who have experienced poor service.
BT has set up an automatic compensation scheme for their business customers; it’s a shame that others haven’t followed.
Use Social Media
Business reputation is worth a great deal. Telecoms providers, including resellers and brokers, don’t like their dirty laundry being shown in public. If you take your complaint to Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, there’s a good chance that they will take steps to resolve the matter. Being able to respond to your complaint publicly, particularly once they’ve resolved your issue, is good for their image and so most companies will do whatever they can to resolve the issue.
If they don’t, LinkedIn is a great way to find senior management and be able to complain directly to them.
Regulatory Protection
In the UK Ofcom is the regulatory body for the telecoms industry. They recognize that telecommunications play a vital role in business, particularly for small businesses. They have produced what they call General Conditions of Entitlement. They are written to protect your business and provide a standard minimum level of service around complaints.
If you don’t get any joy from your telecoms provider, you may want to mention these general conditions and see what happens. Alternatively, call Ofcom directly on 020 7981 3040.
Formally Complaint Through an ADR Scheme
If you aren’t getting anywhere by complaining to your telecoms provider, it may be time to make a formal complaint.
Telecoms providers must be members of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. They act as an adjudicator or middleman between you and the telecoms provider. Usually, within six weeks, they will come to a decision. This decision is final and cannot be overturned and it cannot be appealed. However, that doesn’t stop you from seeking legal advice if you don’t accept the decision.
If the ADR does agree with your complaint, they can order the service provider to make compensation payments, to fix the issue or take other steps.
There are two ADRs in the UK:
- Ombudsman Services , and
- Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS)
Before you make a complaint, however, you must ensure you have met the following conditions :
- You have already complained to the company in the first instance
- At least eight weeks have passed since you first complained to them or you have received a deadlock letter
- Your complaint is not in relation to fraud, property damage, discrimination or data protection
- Your complaint is not the subject of court action
- You understand that it is your responsibility to ensure you have read the scheme rules, guidance notes, and process
- You are based in the United Kingdom (and not the Republic of Ireland).
If All Else Fails
Hopefully, by taking the steps above you will get compensation from your telecoms provider if they aren’t delivering the quality of service they are contracted to provide. Ultimately you have the option to walk away and switch to a different telecoms company. If you need a complex service this may take time and research but can be worth the effort. In this scenario, your current provider will be keen to keep your business so they may offer you an enticing deal.
Warren Pryer is from independent telecoms brokerage Equinox. Equinox works with companies, charities, and other organizations to help them choose the right telecoms packages for their needs and thereby reduce their costs. Equinox is particularly knowledgeable on the integration of IT and telecoms in business.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.
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