Nearlyeveryone hates their internet provider.
Now, more than ever, this can be an effective way to get your problem resolved.
Heres how to do it.
Either way, filing a complaint is a good idea.
Heres how to get started.
So, under these rules, what qualifies?
The FCC has some guides on your rights as a consumer thatyou can read through here.
This doesnt mean your service cannevergo below an advertised speed.
This also doesnt necessarily apply to every machine in your home.
Bill or charge you unfairly:Finding unexpected charges on your bill can ruin your day.
Block or throttling legal content or devices:Your ISP is not allowed to block any otherwise legal content.
It also cant throttle your speeds based on the types of traffic or system youre using.
Additionally, your ISP cant prevent you from using your own compatible hardware like routers or modems.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it covers a decent number of common scenarios.
If it’s possible for you to, request that your ISP email you a copy of chat logs.
If not, take screenshots of your conversation.
It can also help keep a record of what youve been promised so that the company cant backpedal later.
If youre offered a deal or have an ad promising a certain price, keep those documents.
Dont just write down the price you were promised.
Youll want to know the duration, conditions, and other details of any offer.
These records will help you notice if a company changes something in your contract without telling you.
Presumably, youll want to do this anyway.
We haveplenty of guideson how to getbetter customer supportwithoutbeing an asshole.
you’ve got the option to file a complaintonline,by phone, or through the mail.
you might find the form for submitting a complaint to the FCC onlinehere.
A description of your complaint:Here, youll need to describe your complaint.
The more detailed you might be, the better.
Anything you find relevant should be added here.
Once you send in your complaint, you should receive a tracking number from the FCC.
If you dont get a call from your ISP within 40 days, be sure to call the FCC.
Once your complaint is in, the FCC will review it and contact you for more information if necessary.
Then, the commission will send your complaint to your ISP.
A few things can happen at this point.
However, if the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you could pursue a couple of options.
Filing for a formal complaint costs $200, so its not for every issue.
Chances are good that you wont really need to escalate any further than this step.
For minor issues, ISPs will likely be willing to negotiate to resolve your complaint at this stage.
That doesnt mean it wont involve a fight, though.
Filing a complaint with the FCC isnt guaranteed to get you the outcome that you want.
