FCC Consumer Complaints – 1 January 2016
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 395 consumer complaints on 1 January 2016 relating to telecommunications services, this was lower than the 702 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 48 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Indecency was reported slightly more frequently than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 395
- States & territories reporting
- 48
- Most common issue
- Indecency (120)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (36)
Where the complaints came from
Across 325 cities in 48 states and territories, a total of 395 complaints were recorded on 1 January 2016. Complaints were spread broadly across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a significant share. This pattern continues at the city level, where complaints were distributed across multiple locations without a single city standing out.
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 | 36 | 9.1% |
| Florida | 25 | 6.3% |
| Georgia | 25 | 6.3% |
| Texas | 23 | 5.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 19 | 4.8% |
| Tennessee | 19 | 4.8% |
| Virginia | 19 | 4.8% |
| Michigan | 17 | 4.3% |
| North Carolina | 14 | 3.5% |
| Illinois | 13 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 185 | 46.8% |
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 5 different complaint categories. TV was the most reported category, with 153 complaints. This was followed by Phone, which accounted for 126 complaints.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TV | 153 | 38.7% |
| Phone | 126 | 31.9% |
| Internet | 108 | 27.3% |
| Radio | 7 | 1.8% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.3% |
TV complaints
153 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 38.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indecency | 120 | 78.4% |
| Billing | 11 | 7.2% |
| Loud Commercials | 10 | 6.5% |
| Equipment | 5 | 3.3% |
| Availability | 4 | 2.6% |
| Interference | 3 | 2.0% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Indecency and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Phone complaints
126 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 31.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 34 | 27.0% |
| Billing | 26 | 20.6% |
| Robocalls | 19 | 15.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 11 | 8.7% |
| Equipment | 10 | 7.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 6 | 4.8% |
| Junk Faxes | 5 | 4.0% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 5 | 4.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 3.2% |
| Privacy | 4 | 3.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 1.6% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), Billing and Robocalls.
Internet complaints
108 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 27.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 37 | 34.3% |
| Availability | 23 | 21.3% |
| Speed | 18 | 16.7% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 15 | 13.9% |
| Privacy | 8 | 7.4% |
| Equipment | 4 | 3.7% |
| Interference | 3 | 2.8% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
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.