FCC Consumer Complaints – 23 October 2015
Introduction
On 23 October 2015, 1197 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented a decline from the 1250 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 50 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) recorded a slightly higher number of complaints than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1197
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (434)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (148)
Where the complaints came from
The 1197 complaints recorded on 23 October 2015 originated from 739 cities across 50 states and territories. Complaint reports were spread across multiple states and territories, without any one location accounting for a large share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Iowa, where Iowa City accounted for 30 of the 30 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 | 148 | 12.4% |
| Florida | 104 | 8.7% |
| Texas | 72 | 6.0% |
| New York | 70 | 5.8% |
| Maryland | 69 | 5.8% |
| Georgia | 62 | 5.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 47 | 3.9% |
| Michigan | 39 | 3.3% |
| Ohio | 37 | 3.1% |
| New Jersey | 36 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 508 | 42.4% |
Location highlights
- All complaints reported in Iowa originated from a single city, Iowa City.
- Iowa City accounted for nearly all complaints recorded in Iowa.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 6 different complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 886 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 886 | 74.0% |
| Internet | 169 | 14.1% |
| TV | 90 | 7.5% |
| Radio | 48 | 4.0% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.3% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
886 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 74.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 434 | 49.0% |
| Robocalls | 227 | 25.6% |
| Billing | 96 | 10.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 28 | 3.2% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 27 | 3.0% |
| Equipment | 24 | 2.7% |
| Privacy | 22 | 2.5% |
| Junk Faxes | 14 | 1.6% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 11 | 1.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 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.
Internet complaints
169 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 56 | 33.1% |
| Availability | 33 | 19.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 22 | 13.0% |
| Speed | 20 | 11.8% |
| Privacy | 16 | 9.5% |
| Interference | 12 | 7.1% |
| Equipment | 10 | 5.9% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
90 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 35 | 38.9% |
| Equipment | 13 | 14.4% |
| Availability | 11 | 12.2% |
| Loud Commercials | 11 | 12.2% |
| Indecency | 8 | 8.9% |
| Interference | 6 | 6.7% |
| Privacy | 4 | 4.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 2.2% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Availability.
Radio complaints
48 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 4.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 39 | 81.3% |
| Indecency | 4 | 8.3% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 3 | 6.3% |
| Availability | 1 | 2.1% |
| Pirate Radio | 1 | 2.1% |
Interference and Indecency 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.