Telco Sector Sees 7 Percent Rise in Small Business Complaints

Financial hardship grievances soar 71.9 percent over last year, driven by inflexible repayment options.

A man talks on his mobile phone as he walks past a Telstra payphone in Melbourne on August 16, 2018.William West/AFP via Getty Images

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has flagged an increase in financial hardship and small business complaints in its third-quarter report for the 2024–25 financial year.

Complaints related to financial hardship surged by 71.9 percent compared to the same period last year.