The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has launched a free app for iOS and Android devices that lets users test their mobile phone reception and log dropouts as proof of shoddy service. Complaints can then be sent to your telco provider directly from the app.
Punching Phone picture from Shutterstock
The ACCAN Phone Rights app allows users to make a record of where and when they are experiencing call dropouts, delayed text messages and slow internet speeds. Customers can then contact their provider in-app (eighteen mobile providers are currently listed) or register a complaint to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO).
“If you’ve signed up to a contract and you’re not getting the service you’re paying for, it’s worth making a complaint to your provider about it,” said ACCAN spokeswoman Elise Davidson. “This app makes it easy by providing you with a record of where and when problems are occurring.”
The app also includes inbuilt tips and video guides on how to resolve common phone and internet issues such as contract disputes, bill shock, global roaming and data charges.
The advice and information in the app was built around the new Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code, which came into effect last September. The TCP Code outlines the rules and obligations of telecommunications providers are bound to when dealing with customers.
In October last year, Telstra was the first telco to fall foul of the new rules, with ACMA ordering the company to comply with the provisions in the code relating to customer privacy.
Currently, the ACCAN Phone Rights app is only available for Android and iOS. Windows Phone and Blackberry users will need to stick to the normal avenues. An ACCAN spokesperson confirmed that there are no plans to introduce the app to other platforms at this stage.
You can download the app here and here for iPhone and Android, respectively.
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