Do I have to go to the provider's appellate authority first?

It is not a legal precondition for the Consumer Commission, but the Commission expects you to have tried. A written complaint with a reference number strengthens your case.

What if the amount is small, like ₹500?

The fee is nil for claims up to ₹5 lakh, so a small claim costs nothing to file. Small claims are exactly what the District Commission is for.

Complaint Generator › Consumer complaint

Wrong mobile / broadband bill complaint

Incorrect billing, unauthorised charges, or a deficient telecom/broadband service.

Consumer route. Try the National Consumer Helpline first (1915 / consumerhelpline.gov.in), then file on e-Jagriti. Find your forum & fee →

Your bill has charges you never agreed to, a plan was changed without consent, or the connection keeps failing and the provider will not fix it or refund you.

What you can get

Correction of the bill and refund of excess charges, compensation for deficient service, and the cost of filing.

Steps

Keep the bills, the plan details you agreed to, and screenshots of the wrong charges.
Complain to the provider's appellate authority in writing (every provider must have one) and keep the reference number.
Register the grievance with the National Consumer Helpline (1915 / consumerhelpline.gov.in).
If unresolved, file on e-Jagriti (e-jagriti.gov.in). The forum is picked by what you paid.
Upload the complaint, affidavit, bills, plan details, speed-test or outage records and correspondence as PDFs.

Documents to prepare

Bills showing the wrong charges
The plan / tariff you agreed to
Complaint to the provider and appellate authority, with reference numbers
Payment proof
Speed-test logs or outage records (for service deficiency)
Notarised affidavit supporting the complaint

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to go to the provider's appellate authority first?: It is not a legal precondition for the Consumer Commission, but the Commission expects you to have tried. A written complaint with a reference number strengthens your case.
What if the amount is small, like ₹500?: The fee is nil for claims up to ₹5 lakh, so a small claim costs nothing to file. Small claims are exactly what the District Commission is for.

Find my route → Fee calculator → Make a free draft →

Sources: righttoinformation.wiki — e-Jagriti consumer complaint guide, CSIA Law — how to file a consumer complaint on e-Jagriti, righttoinformation.wiki — NCH 1915 helpline guide