FCC Consumer Complaints – 10 October 2015
Introduction
A total of 590 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 10 October 2015, complaint volume fell from 1177 complaints the day before. Complaints were reported across 50 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The most common issue reported was Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), accounting for 201 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 590
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (201)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (73)
Where the complaints came from
Across 429 cities in 50 states and territories, a total of 590 complaints were recorded on 10 October 2015. Overall, complaint activity was broadly distributed, with no single state or territory representing a significant proportion of the total. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 36 of the 49 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 | 73 | 12.4% |
| Florida | 57 | 9.7% |
| Maryland | 49 | 8.3% |
| Texas | 44 | 7.5% |
| Illinois | 24 | 4.1% |
| New York | 24 | 4.1% |
| North Carolina | 23 | 3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 22 | 3.7% |
| Georgia | 19 | 3.2% |
| Virginia | 19 | 3.2% |
| Other states and territories | 236 | 40.0% |
Location highlights
- A large share of complaints in Maryland originated from Frederick, which accounted for most reports within the state.
- Complaints in California were reported across 52 cities, the widest spread observed on this date.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 355 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 355 | 60.2% |
| TV | 103 | 17.5% |
| Internet | 86 | 14.6% |
| Radio | 43 | 7.3% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.3% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
355 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 60.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 201 | 56.6% |
| Robocalls | 63 | 17.7% |
| Billing | 34 | 9.6% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 16 | 4.5% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 11 | 3.1% |
| Equipment | 8 | 2.3% |
| Privacy | 8 | 2.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 6 | 1.7% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 0.8% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 2 | 0.6% |
| Junk Faxes | 2 | 0.6% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.3% |
Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) and Robocalls were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
103 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 54 | 52.4% |
| Billing | 18 | 17.5% |
| Equipment | 11 | 10.7% |
| Indecency | 11 | 10.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 8 | 7.8% |
| Interference | 1 | 1.0% |
Availability and Billing were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Internet complaints
86 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 20 | 23.3% |
| Availability | 18 | 20.9% |
| Speed | 18 | 20.9% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 16 | 18.6% |
| Equipment | 6 | 7.0% |
| Privacy | 5 | 5.8% |
| Interference | 3 | 3.5% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
Radio complaints
43 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 37 | 86.0% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 2 | 4.7% |
| Indecency | 2 | 4.7% |
| Pirate Radio | 2 | 4.7% |
Interference and Commercials/Promotions were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
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.