FCC Consumer Complaints – 2 December 2015
Introduction
On Wednesday, 2 December 2015, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1197 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this was lower than the 1199 complaints recorded the previous day. The complaints came from 51 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) was the most frequently reported issue, with 441 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1197
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (441)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (130)
Where the complaints came from
Across 771 cities in 51 states and territories, a total of 1197 complaints were recorded on 2 December 2015. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. A similar pattern is observed at the city level, with complaints spread across locations rather than concentrated in a single area.
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 | 130 | 10.9% |
| Florida | 94 | 7.9% |
| Texas | 90 | 7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 85 | 7.1% |
| New York | 60 | 5.0% |
| Illinois | 53 | 4.4% |
| Georgia | 46 | 3.8% |
| New Jersey | 41 | 3.4% |
| Michigan | 39 | 3.3% |
| Virginia | 38 | 3.2% |
| Other states and territories | 516 | 43.1% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 95 different cities.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 5 different complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 865 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 865 | 72.3% |
| Internet | 172 | 14.4% |
| TV | 140 | 11.7% |
| Radio | 19 | 1.6% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
865 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 72.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 441 | 51.0% |
| Robocalls | 187 | 21.6% |
| Billing | 105 | 12.1% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 32 | 3.7% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 22 | 2.5% |
| Equipment | 20 | 2.3% |
| Privacy | 20 | 2.3% |
| Junk Faxes | 18 | 2.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 10 | 1.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 5 | 0.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 5 | 0.6% |
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
172 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 52 | 30.2% |
| Availability | 31 | 18.0% |
| Privacy | 29 | 16.9% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 24 | 14.0% |
| Speed | 16 | 9.3% |
| Equipment | 11 | 6.4% |
| Interference | 9 | 5.2% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Privacy.
TV complaints
140 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 52 | 37.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 39 | 27.9% |
| Availability | 15 | 10.7% |
| Indecency | 15 | 10.7% |
| Equipment | 12 | 8.6% |
| Interference | 3 | 2.1% |
| Privacy | 3 | 2.1% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Loud Commercials, 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.