Roughly 25,000 homes in the ACT and surrounding region face disrupted internet or phone service in the lead up to Christmas, with telcos claiming the extreme weather absolves them of meeting standard repair times.
Stormy weather damaged infrastructure in Canberra and surrounding areas last week, leading to phone and internet troubles.
Hail, heavy rainfall and wind were the source of problem, and the extreme weather means telcos aren't under the same legal obligations to fix services.
Public notices issued on Wednesday suggested the storms impacted an estimated 23,649 iiNet services, and roughly 1200 Telstra services.
The notices did not specify the precise trouble areas, and simply said the weather had affected services for ACT numbers from 6200 0000 to 6299 9999.
Telstra and iiNet are warning that repairing the damage could take weeks, and the public notices said the "extreme weather" events absolved them of responsibility for meeting standard response times.
"Telstra apologised to affected customers and assured them we are working as quickly as possible to return normal services," a Telstra spokesperson said in response to questions on Wednesday.
"Already, a number of these services have been restored and we expect the remaining services to be returned within the nominated timeframe [before December 21]."
Independent telecommunications analyst Paul Budde said that although there should be reasonable pressure on companies, these problems should be expected.
"Over the last 20 years privatisation has become the norm, and it affects the way infrastructure is looked after," he said.
"Who's going to pay for it, the consumer?
"That's not how humans are, we just want the cheapest service ... we don't take into account that that will affect maintenance."
Mr Budde believes the impact of weather events on telecommunications infrastructure is only going to worsen due to climate change.
He said either companies would need to change their attitudes, or consumers would have to look elsewhere.
"Rather than sticking your head in the sand and just relying on Telstra to be there, you'll have to start looking at alternatives," Mr Budde said.
This might include buying generators, or even just relocating to a place with wi-fi while the problem was sorted out, he said.
But that shouldn't remove any responsibility from telcos.
"Put pressure on the telcos too. But it's important to know alternatives are there," he said.
Anyone with service problems or questions about billing can call 13 22 03 for Telstra or 13 22 58 for iiNet.
