Canberra residents who had their phones and internet cut off following the collapse of over-55s' service provider ONESeniors remain in limbo after a new buyer was found.
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Clients, including those with a disability, were left in the lurch after OneTelecom, the company name for ONESeniors, was one of three companies placed into administration on Friday following a court decision.
Receivers Ferrier Hodgson confirmed on Wednesday that One Telecom and iBoss International had been sold to telecommunications company Vocus Communications, after drawn-out negotiations.
Ferrier Hodgson partner Stewart McCallum said staff urgently tried to confirm the sale over the weekend, ''as it became apparent the number of customers remaining on the companies’ platforms was diminishing quickly, given a large number of services were suspended prior to our appointment".
In a statement on the ONESeniors Facebook page on Wednesday, Vocus Communications said it would work to sort out supply matters as quickly as possible, but there was no guarantee all services could be activated.
It confirmed ONESeniors clients were free to sign up with a new provider and there would be no fees for breaking their contract.
Vocus chief executive James Spenceley said: "We are only now beginning to unravel the complex ownership and supply relationships previously in place.”
''Since the appointment of administrators on Friday last week, Vocus has worked tirelessly to expedite restoring services to as many customers as possible, as quickly as possible.''
ONESeniors clients, and many adult children of elderly clients, have voiced their frustrations on the ONESeniors Facebook page.
Some clients, including Liz Blackwell, of Braddon, have had trouble signing up to new providers.
''I've signed up with Telstra, but because ONEseniors haven't relinquished the numbers I can't get my same number and it will take up to seven business days for connection.''
A spokesman for the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network said it had advised customers, particularly those who relied on landline phones for medical alarm systems, to look for another provider or switch to a cheap prepaid mobile phone.
The disruption had also affected ONESeniors clients who were small-business owners in Canberra, the spokesman said.
''For these consumers who are absolutely reliant on their landline, I'd be saying they should be looking to contact another provider.''
He said Telstra and Optus offered priority assistance programs to those with a life-threatening medical condition.
Vocus Communications has set up an online ONEseniors hotline: 133 001.
