FCC Consumer Complaints – 23 April 2016
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 517 consumer complaints on Saturday, 23 April 2016 relating to telecommunications services, this was lower than the 1040 complaints recorded the day before. The complaints came from 45 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) was reported slightly more frequently than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 517
- States & territories reporting
- 45
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (110)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (84)
Where the complaints came from
The 517 complaints recorded on 23 April 2016 were submitted from 328 cities across 45 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. At the city level, a significant concentration was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 52 of the 65 complaints recorded.
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 | 84 | 16.2% |
| Maryland | 65 | 12.6% |
| Florida | 62 | 12.0% |
| Texas | 33 | 6.4% |
| New York | 31 | 6.0% |
| New Jersey | 21 | 4.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 17 | 3.3% |
| Georgia | 16 | 3.1% |
| Illinois | 16 | 3.1% |
| Colorado | 13 | 2.5% |
| Other states and territories | 159 | 30.8% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Maryland originated from Frederick, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
A total of 7 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 293 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 293 | 56.7% |
| Internet | 93 | 18.0% |
| TV | 66 | 12.8% |
| Radio | 61 | 11.8% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.4% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.2% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
293 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 56.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 110 | 37.5% |
| Robocalls | 62 | 21.2% |
| Billing | 48 | 16.4% |
| Equipment | 21 | 7.2% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 16 | 5.5% |
| Privacy | 13 | 4.4% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 10 | 3.4% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 6 | 2.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 2.0% |
| Junk Faxes | 1 | 0.3% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), Robocalls and Billing.
Internet complaints
93 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 25 | 26.9% |
| Billing | 22 | 23.7% |
| Availability | 16 | 17.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 14 | 15.1% |
| Privacy | 8 | 8.6% |
| Interference | 5 | 5.4% |
| Equipment | 3 | 3.2% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Speed, Billing and Availability.
TV complaints
66 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 27 | 40.9% |
| Availability | 20 | 30.3% |
| Equipment | 7 | 10.6% |
| Interference | 7 | 10.6% |
| Indecency | 2 | 3.0% |
| Loud Commercials | 2 | 3.0% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 1.5% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Radio complaints
61 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 58 | 95.1% |
| Indecency | 2 | 3.3% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.6% |
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.