FCC Consumer Complaints – 30 March 2016
Introduction
A total of 1188 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday, 30 March 2016, complaint volume increased from 1165 complaints the previous day. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) was reported slightly more frequently than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1188
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (438)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (129)
Where the complaints came from
The 1188 complaints recorded on 30 March 2016 were submitted from 788 cities across 51 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | 129 | 10.9% |
| Florida | 99 | 8.3% |
| Texas | 98 | 8.2% |
| New York | 73 | 6.1% |
| Illinois | 52 | 4.4% |
| Georgia | 47 | 4.0% |
| Maryland | 41 | 3.5% |
| Ohio | 41 | 3.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 40 | 3.4% |
| Virginia | 40 | 3.4% |
| Other states and territories | 526 | 44.3% |
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 905 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 905 | 76.2% |
| Internet | 157 | 13.2% |
| TV | 95 | 8.0% |
| Radio | 26 | 2.2% |
| Emergency | 4 | 0.3% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
905 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 76.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 438 | 48.4% |
| Robocalls | 235 | 26.0% |
| Billing | 91 | 10.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 29 | 3.2% |
| Privacy | 29 | 3.2% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 23 | 2.5% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 23 | 2.5% |
| Equipment | 20 | 2.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 11 | 1.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 0.3% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 2 | 0.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.1% |
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
157 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 61 | 38.9% |
| Availability | 28 | 17.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 17 | 10.8% |
| Speed | 17 | 10.8% |
| Privacy | 13 | 8.3% |
| Interference | 12 | 7.6% |
| Equipment | 9 | 5.7% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
95 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 49 | 51.6% |
| Availability | 21 | 22.1% |
| Equipment | 9 | 9.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 7 | 7.4% |
| Interference | 5 | 5.3% |
| Indecency | 3 | 3.2% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.1% |
Billing and Availability 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.