Telecom & Internet

Dispute phone, internet, and cable billing errors, contract violations, and service failures. File FCC complaints and state PUC appeals with free letter templates.

Create your telecom & internet dispute letter

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What is a telecom or internet dispute?

Telecom and internet disputes involve billing errors, unauthorized charges, contract violations, or service failures by phone, internet, or cable providers. The FCC and state Public Utilities Commissions provide formal complaint processes for consumers.

Common telecom disputes

Unauthorized charges (cramming)
charges for services never requested
Early termination fees
disputing ETF charges when company failed to deliver service
Internet speed disputes
service not delivering advertised speeds
Billing errors
incorrect plan charges, double billing, wrong rate
Robocall and spam
unwanted calls violating the TCPA
Porting issues
refusal to transfer your phone number
Where to file a telecom complaint

The FCC handles complaints against phone and internet providers. The FTC handles fraud and deceptive practices. Your state PUC handles local service disputes. The CFPB handles financial aspects of telecom billing.

Steps to dispute a telecom charge

  1. 1
    Contact your provider and request an itemized bill
  2. 2
    Document all contacts and reference numbers
  3. 3
    Send a formal written dispute via certified mail
  4. 4
    File a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
  5. 5
    Consider small claims court for amounts under $10,000

Telecom & Internet in New York

From billing errors and poor service quality to unexpected outages, New Yorkers often face challenges with their telecom and internet providers. These issues can disrupt daily life and work, making it essential to know your rights and how to seek resolution. New York State has established regulations and agencies to protect consumers and ensure that telecom and internet companies are held accountable for their services.

The New York Public Service Law (PSL) grants the Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority to regulate telephone, and internet services. While the internet remains largely unregulated at the federal level, the PSC addresses issues like deceptive marketing and billing practices. A key protection for New Yorkers is the state’s net neutrality law, which ensures an open internet. Recent legislative efforts, such as New York State Senate Bill 2024-S855A, aim to improve broadband access and affordability, reflecting the state’s commitment to digital equity.

If you have a complaint about your telecom or internet service in New York, the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is the primary agency to contact. You can file a complaint online through their website at www.dps.ny.gov or by calling their toll-free helpline at 1-800-342-3377. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also accepts consumer complaints, particularly for issues related to federal laws. Additionally, the New York Attorney General’s office handles cases of widespread deceptive practices by telecom and internet providers.

To resolve a telecom or internet issue in New York, first, try to resolve it directly with your service provider. If that fails, file a formal complaint with the DPS. The DPS will investigate your complaint and work with the company to find a resolution, a process that typically takes 60 to 90 days. It is important to keep detailed records of all communications and billing statements. Use the petition generator above to create a complaint letter in under two minutes.

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