FCC Consumer Complaints – 21 October 2015
Introduction
On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1207 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this was lower than the 1297 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 51 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 459 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1207
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (459)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (154)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 1207 complaints were recorded on 21 October 2015, with reports originating from 759 cities in 51 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 43 of the 69 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 | 154 | 12.8% |
| Florida | 97 | 8.0% |
| Texas | 87 | 7.2% |
| Maryland | 69 | 5.7% |
| Georgia | 66 | 5.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 63 | 5.2% |
| New York | 59 | 4.9% |
| Illinois | 48 | 4.0% |
| Virginia | 43 | 3.6% |
| Ohio | 36 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 484 | 40.1% |
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
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 862 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 862 | 71.4% |
| Internet | 185 | 15.3% |
| TV | 99 | 8.2% |
| Radio | 57 | 4.7% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
862 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 71.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 459 | 53.2% |
| Robocalls | 206 | 23.9% |
| Billing | 78 | 9.0% |
| Privacy | 26 | 3.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 24 | 2.8% |
| Equipment | 24 | 2.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 18 | 2.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 15 | 1.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 0.8% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 0.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.1% |
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
185 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 63 | 34.1% |
| Availability | 36 | 19.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 25 | 13.5% |
| Privacy | 25 | 13.5% |
| Speed | 15 | 8.1% |
| Equipment | 12 | 6.5% |
| Interference | 9 | 4.9% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
99 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 42 | 42.4% |
| Indecency | 12 | 12.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 12 | 12.1% |
| Availability | 11 | 11.1% |
| Equipment | 9 | 9.1% |
| Interference | 7 | 7.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 4 | 4.0% |
| Privacy | 2 | 2.0% |
Billing represented the largest share of complaints recorded in this category, with lower volumes reported across the remaining issues.
Radio complaints
57 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 4.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 49 | 86.0% |
| Indecency | 4 | 7.0% |
| Pirate Radio | 3 | 5.3% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.8% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Interference and Indecency, 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.