Telecommunications companies will be required to offer more help to Australians suffering from financial hardship who are finding it difficult to pay their mobile or home internet bills, under new rules announced by the federal government.
From March 29 the new Industry Standard on Financial Hardship will broaden the scope of what is considered financial hardship, giving more customers access to support.
Companies will also be required to offer their customers at least six different assistance options (such as payment plans or deferred payments), and the bar will be raised before a telco can switch off someone's mobile or internet service.