FCC Consumer Complaints – 31 August 2015
Introduction
On 31 August 2015, 1090 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented an increase from the 364 complaints recorded the day before. Reports were received from 52 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) was the most frequently reported issue, with 379 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1090
- States & territories reporting
- 52
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (379)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (126)
Where the complaints came from
The 1090 complaints recorded on 31 August 2015 originated from 734 cities across 52 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 42 of the 63 complaints recorded in the state.
The table below shows the distribution of complaints by state and territory for this date, highlighting the locations with the highest number of reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 126 | 11.6% |
| Florida | 114 | 10.5% |
| Texas | 66 | 6.1% |
| Maryland | 63 | 5.8% |
| New York | 63 | 5.8% |
| Georgia | 48 | 4.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 46 | 4.2% |
| Virginia | 40 | 3.7% |
| Michigan | 37 | 3.4% |
| New Jersey | 33 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 454 | 41.7% |
Location highlight
Frederick accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Maryland.
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 727 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 727 | 66.7% |
| Internet | 152 | 13.9% |
| TV | 145 | 13.3% |
| Radio | 62 | 5.7% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.3% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
727 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 66.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 379 | 52.1% |
| Robocalls | 153 | 21.0% |
| Billing | 54 | 7.4% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 33 | 4.5% |
| Privacy | 29 | 4.0% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 24 | 3.3% |
| Equipment | 19 | 2.6% |
| Junk Faxes | 15 | 2.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 12 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 0.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 0.4% |
Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) and Robocalls accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
152 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 42 | 27.6% |
| Availability | 33 | 21.7% |
| Speed | 29 | 19.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 15 | 9.9% |
| Privacy | 15 | 9.9% |
| Equipment | 10 | 6.6% |
| Interference | 8 | 5.3% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
TV complaints
145 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 50 | 34.5% |
| Availability | 30 | 20.7% |
| Indecency | 28 | 19.3% |
| Loud Commercials | 18 | 12.4% |
| Equipment | 10 | 6.9% |
| Interference | 5 | 3.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 2.1% |
| Privacy | 1 | 0.7% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Indecency.
Radio complaints
62 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 5.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 51 | 82.3% |
| Indecency | 5 | 8.1% |
| Availability | 2 | 3.2% |
| Billing | 2 | 3.2% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 1.6% |
| Pirate Radio | 1 | 1.6% |
Interference and Indecency accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
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.