FCC Consumer Complaints – 18 December 2014
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 700 consumer complaints on Thursday, 18 December 2014 relating to telecommunications services, this was higher than the 690 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) recorded a slightly higher number of complaints than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 700
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (219)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (88)
Where the complaints came from
Across 480 cities in 51 states and territories, a total of 700 complaints were recorded on 18 December 2014. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Bethesda accounted for 38 of the 50 complaints recorded in the state.
The table below summarises the number of complaints reported in each state and territory on this date, ordered by total reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 88 | 12.6% |
| Texas | 53 | 7.6% |
| Maryland | 50 | 7.1% |
| Florida | 47 | 6.7% |
| Georgia | 33 | 4.7% |
| Illinois | 27 | 3.9% |
| North Carolina | 27 | 3.9% |
| New York | 27 | 3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 25 | 3.6% |
| Virginia | 22 | 3.1% |
| Other states and territories | 299 | 42.7% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Maryland originated from Bethesda, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 6 complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 538 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 538 | 76.9% |
| Internet | 55 | 7.9% |
| TV | 51 | 7.3% |
| Radio | 50 | 7.1% |
| Accessibility | 5 | 0.7% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
538 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 76.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 219 | 40.7% |
| Robocalls | 122 | 22.7% |
| Billing | 55 | 10.2% |
| Privacy | 40 | 7.4% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 28 | 5.2% |
| Equipment | 22 | 4.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 21 | 3.9% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 15 | 2.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 7 | 1.3% |
| Junk Faxes | 5 | 0.9% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 4 | 0.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) and Robocalls, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Internet complaints
55 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 38.2% |
| Privacy | 10 | 18.2% |
| Interference | 9 | 16.4% |
| Availability | 7 | 12.7% |
| Equipment | 4 | 7.3% |
| Speed | 4 | 7.3% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Privacy and Interference.
TV complaints
51 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 41.2% |
| Equipment | 7 | 13.7% |
| Indecency | 7 | 13.7% |
| Availability | 6 | 11.8% |
| Loud Commercials | 5 | 9.8% |
| Interference | 4 | 7.8% |
Billing accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Radio complaints
50 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 11 | 22.0% |
| Availability | 10 | 20.0% |
| Interference | 10 | 20.0% |
| Billing | 7 | 14.0% |
| Indecency | 6 | 12.0% |
| Pirate Radio | 6 | 12.0% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Equipment, Availability and Interference.
The information presented on this page is based on consumer complaint data submitted to regulatory authorities. References to telephone numbers reflect reports made by consumers and do not confirm ownership, authenticity, or that the number was genuinely associated with the call. Caller ID information may be inaccurate or subject to spoofing.
Complaint categories, dates and complainant locations are based on the source records and may contain incomplete, approximate or user-entered information. Location details refer to the complainant’s reported location, not the location of the caller or telephone number. This content is provided for informational purposes only.