“We’re in the locksmith business – we operate 24 hours a day seven days a week,” Mr Knowles said.

“At various times we find our phone dead; we’re not receiving, nor can we make, any calls.

“Pretty much at the same time our internet connection fails. In the modern day business rely on the internet for much of their communications.”

Mr Knowles said the problem has been happening regularly over the last six months.

He claimed he had complained to Telstra regularly – and as recently as this week – but did not feel confident about the telco’s ability to solve the problem.

A Telstra spokeswoman confirmed Mr Knowles had complained several times earlier this year and again more recently.

“We apologise for the interruption the customer experienced to his service,” the spokeswoman said.

“This is not the experience we want for our customers.

“We have spoken with the customer and his service is working.”

Mr Knowles’ problems are similar to other businesses in the region, according to Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Chris Lamont.

“We receive calls and approaches every week complaining about poor internet and phone services,” Mr Lamont said.

“These complaints are impacting small and large businesses across the region and what is extremely concerning is the lack of follow-up or urgency by providers to address these faults.”

The chamber has started a campaign called “Not Happy Jan” – after an old Yellow Pages ad – and is calling on businesses to share any internet and phone problems that have not been adequately resolved.

He said some businesses can be put at risk by unreliable telecommunications connections.

Mr Lamont said these concerns will be raised with local members, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and relevant phone and internet providers.

Businesses wishing to share their “Not happy Jan” moment can send an email to nothappy@illawarrabusiness.com.au