FCC Consumer Complaints – 16 August 2015
Introduction
A total of 353 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 16 August 2015, this was lower than the 529 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 44 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Billing were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 353
- States & territories reporting
- 44
- Most common issue
- Billing (67)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (50)
Where the complaints came from
The 353 complaints recorded on 16 August 2015 originated from 263 cities across 44 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | 50 | 14.2% |
| Florida | 34 | 9.6% |
| New York | 18 | 5.1% |
| Texas | 18 | 5.1% |
| Georgia | 17 | 4.8% |
| Arizona | 16 | 4.5% |
| Tennessee | 15 | 4.2% |
| Illinois | 14 | 4.0% |
| Maryland | 12 | 3.4% |
| Michigan | 12 | 3.4% |
| Other states and territories | 147 | 41.6% |
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 174 complaints. This was followed by Internet, which accounted for 91 complaints.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 174 | 49.3% |
| Internet | 91 | 25.8% |
| TV | 60 | 17.0% |
| Radio | 23 | 6.5% |
| Emergency | 4 | 1.1% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
174 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 49.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 59 | 33.9% |
| Robocalls | 36 | 20.7% |
| Billing | 22 | 12.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 13 | 7.5% |
| Privacy | 11 | 6.3% |
| Equipment | 10 | 5.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 9 | 5.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 7 | 4.0% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 3 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 2 | 1.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 2 | 1.1% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), Robocalls and Billing.
Internet complaints
91 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 25.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 23 | 25.3% |
| Availability | 20 | 22.0% |
| Speed | 14 | 15.4% |
| Privacy | 10 | 11.0% |
| Equipment | 9 | 9.9% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 9 | 9.9% |
| Interference | 6 | 6.6% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
TV complaints
60 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 35.0% |
| Availability | 15 | 25.0% |
| Loud Commercials | 12 | 20.0% |
| Indecency | 5 | 8.3% |
| Equipment | 3 | 5.0% |
| Interference | 3 | 5.0% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 1.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
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.