Australians continue to experience frustration with phone and internet services, with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) receiving 14,002 complaints during the first three months of 2026. While overall complaint numbers remained largely unchanged from the previous quarter, several emerging trends point to growing consumer concerns around mobile reliability and financial pressure.

One of the most notable developments was a sharp rise in complaints from customers seeking compensation after suffering financial losses linked to telecommunications issues. Requests for financial compensation increased by 32.7 per cent compared with the previous quarter. Complaints involving non-financial impacts, such as significant inconvenience or disruption, also continued to rise.

Financial hardship has re-emerged as a major concern. The TIO reported a 25.3 per cent increase in complaints from people struggling to manage phone and internet bills, highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing many households.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev

Mobile services remained a key source of frustration. Complaints relating to mobile services rose 5.7 per cent to 6,739 cases. Reports of activation delays climbed 31 per cent, while complaints from customers left without a functioning mobile service increased 25 per cent. Concerns about poor coverage and difficulties with fault-testing processes also recorded significant increases.

The Ombudsman said service disruptions can quickly escalate into broader financial and personal challenges, particularly for people living in regional and remote communities where alternative connectivity options may be limited.