VULNERABLE CONSUMER REGISTER
VULNERABLE CONSUMER REGISTER
What is the 111 Contact Code?
The Commerce Commission’s 111 Contact Code (“111 Code”) was created to ensure that Vulnerable Customers have reasonable access to an appropriate means of calling 111 emergency services in the event of a power failure. Newer home phone services such as voice calling over broadband, which rely on an active working broadband service, won’t work in the event of a power failure, without an independent power source. The 111 Code requires Telecommunication Service Providers to supply Vulnerable Customers with an alternative solution to contact 111 in an emergency.
You’ll be eligible to apply for the Vulnerable Customer status if:
You (or someone in your household) is at particular risk of needing to call 111 emergency services for health, safety, or disability reasons.
You have a voice calling* over broadband service and you, or someone you live with, does not have access to a traditional copper phone line.
You (or a person in your household) have no means to contact the 111 emergency service at the premises, or the means that you do have can’t be operated for a continuous 8-hour period in the event of a power failure.
If you, or someone in your household qualifies, Plan B will work with you to determine the right solution for your particular needs, at no cost to you. Please ensure that you read through this information guide and the accompanying form carefully before submitting an application.
Important things to know
Telecommunication Service Providers cannot deny or cease supply of a landline service to you on the basis that we know or suspect that someone in your household is, or may become, a Vulnerable Customer.
• Certain modern telecommunications services require power to function, this is not unique to Plan B.
• We can’t guarantee a continuous or fault-free service, as events within or beyond our control may cause a temporary loss of service.
• While we will try our best to inform you in advance if services will be unavailable, we may not always be able to.
• We recommend having a back-up plan in place should the mobile network be impacted or there is a disruption to the power line services.
Types of supporting evidence
The following are examples of the type of evidence that may be sufficient to support an application:
• A completed Notice of Potential Medically Dependent Customer (MDC) Status’ form, which include a certification from a District Health Board (DHB), Private Hospital or GP.
• A protection order.
• A letter from a health practitioner.
• Documentation of impairment.
Alternatively, you can supply the contact details of a Nominated Person, so that we can verify the vulnerability with them. A Nominated Person is someone who is competent to give an opinion on whether you/the person residing at the address is at particular risk of requiring the 111 emergency service. Examples of Nominated Persons include:
• Health or Disability: A health practitioner (for example, a GP or specialist).
• Safety: A police officer, a currently registered social worker, a lawyer (with a current practicing certificate); or a family court judge.
What happens after applying?
We will respond to you within 10 working days to communicate the outcome of your application.
If your application is successful:
• You will be notified in writing or via email.
• We will communicate with you what solution we believe will allow you to continue to contact 111 in an emergency.
• We will arrange for the supply and delivery of your solution as soon as practicable.
If your application is unsuccessful:
• You will be notified in writing or via email.
• We will communicate with you the reason for why you were unsuccessful.
• If you’re unsuccessful due to an incomplete application we will work with you to ensure it is completed correctly.
• We will provide you with the details of an independent disputes process.
FAQs
What if my details change or I change to another provider?
If your application is unsuccessful:
• You move house (in case the technology at the new location changes).
• Your vulnerable status changes (the service may no longer be required on a permanent basis).
• The name on your account changes (to ensure that we have up to date details).
You will need to reapply if any of the above scenarios apply.
If you move to another Telecommunications Service Provider, you will need to discuss your vulnerability and dependency requirements with them.
How long will I stay on the Vulnerable Customer Register?
This will depend on the nature of the vulnerability and whether it is permanent or temporary. If you have a temporary vulnerability, you will remain on the Register for the length of time specified in your application, and as indicated in your supporting evidence. If your vulnerability is permanent, then we will contact you every 12 months to confirm that you still require our support service.
How can I be removed from the register?
If your circumstances change and you no longer need to be enrolled on The Vulnerable Customer Register, please get in contact with us.
How much does it cost to be on the Vulnerable Customer Register?
We don’t charge customers for applying to be on our Vulnerable Customer Register. However, you may incur costs when obtaining supporting evidence for your application (for example, from your doctor).
How will Plan B use the personal information provided?
When you apply to be on our Vulnerable Customer Register, we’ll use your information, or that of the individual with the vulnerability, to:
• Assess your/their eligibility to be on the Vulnerable Customer Register.
• Report the status of those on our register to the Commerce Commission as required under the 111 Code.
• Provide, administer and manage the Register.
• Provide, administer and manage your services.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If you want to raise a complaint about the process or how your application was handled, please get in touch with one of our team to discuss and attempt to resolve any issues.
If you have already made a complaint directly to us related to the 111 Contact Code or an application to be a Vulnerable Customer, and you are not happy with the resolution, or five working days have passed and nothing has been resolved, you can raise a complaint directly with the Commerce Commission at contact@comcom.govt.nz, or phone the Commission’s Enquiries team on 0800 943 600.
Contact us
• Click here to email us.
• Call us on 0800 266 846 (option 2) between 8AM and 10PM, 7 days a week.
Our Privacy Policy sets out our commitments to you regarding collecting, holding and using information about you. Any information you provide to us will be held in accordance with those terms, the Privacy Act 2020, the Telecommunications Information Privacy Code 2003 and the 111 Contact Code.
If you would like to update your contact information or any of the information supplied in the application form, or you would like to cancel your application, please click here to email us or call us on 0800 266 846 (option 2).
111 Vulnerable Customer Register
Application Form
Complete this application form if you would like Plan B to consider you (or someone you are applying on behalf of) to be covered by the 111 Contact Code (“111 Code”). The 111 Code ensures that people who are more likely to need to contact 111, and who have a home phone line that doesn’t work in a power failure (with no other means of contacting 111 at their house), are provided with a means to contact the 111 emergency services in the event of a power failure.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A Vulnerable Customer must meet all of the following criteria:
• You (or someone in your household) is at particular risk of needing to call 111 emergency services for health, safety, or disability reasons.
• You have a landline service provided over Fibre Technology.
• You (or a person in your household) have no means to contact the 111 emergency service at the premises that can be operated for a continuous 8-hour period in the event of a power failure.
This form can ONLY be completed by one of the following people:
• A Plan B customer (the Account holder);
• A person who is listed as an authority on the customer’s account.
• The customer or person listed as an authority on the customer’s account on behalf of someone who lives at the premises where the home phone line is supplied.
Your application
Before submitting your application, please check that you have:
• Read the information guide.
• Read the eligibility criteria.
• Completed the application form.
• Provided the information in support of the application (either Nominated Person’s details or supporting documentation).
You can submit your completed application form and supporting evidence by:
• Click here to email your application.
• Calling us on 0800 266 846 (option 2) between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
• Posting the form and supporting evidence to:
Attn: 111 Vulnerable Customer Register Plan B Limited
PO Box 302 536
North Harbour
Auckland 0751
Once we have received your completed application, it may take up to 10 working days to assess your application.
*Note: The Code only applies to landline voice services. Broadband only customers cannot apply.
*Note: The Code only applies to landline voice services. Broadband only customers cannot apply.
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