The Internet has become essential to every aspect of our lives and if we have to face slow connection speeds and increased buffering hours; it most certainly going to frustrate us to the point that we might think of using these providers. You will not face these issues if you had already subscribed to any of the top-quality Xfinity internet packages. They provide high-speed and reliable internet at affordable rates. It gives the users the flexibility to choose from different plans as it pleases their needs.
In the past, people have been pushed across the edges with subpar quality internet. To some, it has even cost their jobs. Since everything has taken a shift towards the online world it has become more important than ever to have reliable internet services providers. However, if you have faced a fair share of anomalies with your internet connection and have just had enough, we are sure you must have thought about suing the ISP at least once. Let’s discuss if that is an option and how to go about it.
Is it possible to sue your ISP?
You can challenge your ISP to court for a variety of complaints related to their services. Preparing for a legal challenge against your ISP is not something that can be taken lightly. To increase your chances of success, you’ll need to grasp the process and will have to prepare thoroughly. This process begins with thorough documenting of your complaint’s difficulties, followed by attempts to fix it with your ISP, and if nothing changes then an informal complaint is lodged to FCC. If this does not compel them to rectify the problem, a formal complaint and legal action will be taken.
What constitutes a complaint?
Before you are ready to file a complaint you must know what qualifies. The constituents for a valid complaint against the ISP are the following:
- Failure to deliver what was advertised: If you were promised 50Mbps service but only get 15Mbps regularly, your ISP has failed to deliver the service it promised. This isn’t to say that your service can’t ever go below the claimed speed. The speed tests can be used to keep track of your speed. If you’re having consistently sluggish speeds even with a direct connection and your ISP isn’t fixing it after you complain, you can submit a complaint with the FCC.
- Unfair Billing: You can make a complaint if you believe the charge is unreasonable or was introduced without your permission. You can also make a complaint if you believe your ISP is charging you more than other houses in your region, or if a promotional period has finished sooner than promised.
- Blocking Content or Devices: Any otherwise legal content cannot be blocked by your ISP. It can’t additionally adjust your speeds dependent on the traffic or application you’re using. Furthermore, your ISP is powerless to prevent you from utilizing compatible devices such as routers or modems.
Documentation
It’s a good idea to start maintaining as many records as you can before contacting your internet provider. You can make a complaint based solely on your word, but the more evidence you have to back up your allegation, the easier it will be to attain the result you desire.
You can record some phone calls. Customers who record phone calls have uncovered a slew of news stories exposing dubious ISP activity. It can also help you maintain track of what you’ve been promised so the corporation doesn’t go back on its word later.
Keep a log of all texting conversations. Keep track of the entire transaction if you have to interact with online chat support or exchange emails with your ISP. If possible, ask your ISP to provide you with a copy of the chat logs through email. Take screenshots of your chat if you don’t have any.
Keep your contracts safe with you. It’s difficult for ISPs, let alone their customers, to keep track of promotional deals because they change so frequently. Keep any documents you receive in exchange for a bargain or an advertisement promising a specific price.
Before you sue your ISP
Contacting your service provider is the first and most straightforward step toward legal action. To begin, inform them of your issue and suggest that they concede and rectify it. If they don’t do either, it’s time to start gathering evidence in preparation for filing a complaint to FCC. When it’s legal, record talks with your ISP and keep a track of any text-based conversations.
You will have to build a case for yourself and a strong one at that. The resources at the ISP’s end are fierce and strong so make sure you have all the proof set up for the case.
How to file the complaint?
You are ready to send your legal complaint to the FCC once you’ve tried to address issues with your ISP and prepared your legal case. FCC’s web portal is a simple method that will require an email address and information related to your dispute. The FCC then processes your complaint. This is usually when an internet service provider has begun to step down and work with you to address your problem. Therefore, all will be well if your ISP effectively resolves your problem. If they make some minimal attempt but still fail to resolve the issue, you should report them to the FCC. If the ISP does nothing, they’re breaking the law, which mandates that they contact you and the FCC within thirty days of receiving an informal complaint. It’s time to submit a formal complaint and bring them to court if this happens, or if they fail to settle your issue in a meaningful way.
Conclusion
The importance of a reliable internet connection is not unknown to any user. Since many aspects of our lives depend on the internet and not just individually but globally so it has become a human right now. Therefore it must never be compromised.