As it opens an investigation into how the telecommunication industry handles complaints and provides customer service, The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) urges the public to list their complaints about service providers.

The inquiry, which was announced in April due to the high number of complaints brought to the telecommunication industry ombudsman, commenced as the ACMA formalized terms of reference and a consultation paper.

"We want to understand what the problems are - the way the telecommunications industry is dealing with its customers and the root causes of those problems," he said. "And critically, we want to identify enduring solutions that will improve customer service and complaints-handling, both now and into the foreseeable future," said Chris Chapman, the chairman of ACMA.

The inquiry will collect public input at workshops and other forums. The inquiry is expected to take nine months.