FCC Consumer Complaints – 12 October 2015
Introduction
A total of 954 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, 12 October 2015, this represented an increase from the 377 complaints recorded the previous day. Reports were received from 49 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), with 330 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 954
- States & territories reporting
- 49
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (330)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (108)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 12 October 2015 show 954 complaints originating from 619 cities across 49 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick 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 | 108 | 11.3% |
| Florida | 89 | 9.3% |
| Texas | 52 | 5.5% |
| Maryland | 50 | 5.2% |
| Colorado | 47 | 4.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 43 | 4.5% |
| Georgia | 42 | 4.4% |
| New York | 35 | 3.7% |
| Illinois | 34 | 3.6% |
| New Jersey | 34 | 3.6% |
| Other states and territories | 419 | 43.9% |
Location highlight
Complaints in Maryland were heavily concentrated in Frederick, which accounted for the majority of reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 7 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 631 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 631 | 66.1% |
| Internet | 166 | 17.4% |
| TV | 99 | 10.4% |
| Radio | 52 | 5.5% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.2% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
631 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 66.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 330 | 52.3% |
| Robocalls | 123 | 19.5% |
| Billing | 61 | 9.7% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 29 | 4.6% |
| Equipment | 20 | 3.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 20 | 3.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 13 | 2.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 13 | 2.1% |
| Privacy | 11 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 0.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 4 | 0.6% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 3 | 0.5% |
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
166 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 56 | 33.7% |
| Availability | 37 | 22.3% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 29 | 17.5% |
| Speed | 21 | 12.7% |
| Interference | 11 | 6.6% |
| Privacy | 8 | 4.8% |
| Equipment | 4 | 2.4% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
99 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 41 | 41.4% |
| Availability | 17 | 17.2% |
| Loud Commercials | 15 | 15.2% |
| Indecency | 12 | 12.1% |
| Equipment | 8 | 8.1% |
| Interference | 4 | 4.0% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 1.0% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.0% |
Billing was the most commonly reported issue in this category, while other issues occurred less frequently.
Radio complaints
52 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 5.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 44 | 84.6% |
| Availability | 4 | 7.7% |
| Indecency | 2 | 3.8% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 1.9% |
| Pirate Radio | 1 | 1.9% |
Interference and Availability 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.