FCC Consumer Complaints – 26 April 2016
Introduction
On 26 April 2016, 1374 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was higher than the 1072 complaints recorded the day before. Reports were received from 52 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Complaints relating to Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1374
- States & territories reporting
- 52
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (408)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (165)
Where the complaints came from
The 1374 complaints recorded on 26 April 2016 originated from 875 cities across 52 states and territories. Overall, complaint activity was broadly distributed, with no single state or territory representing a significant proportion of the total. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 40 of the 66 complaints recorded in the state.
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 | 165 | 12.0% |
| Florida | 143 | 10.4% |
| Texas | 129 | 9.4% |
| New York | 73 | 5.3% |
| Maryland | 66 | 4.8% |
| Georgia | 61 | 4.4% |
| New Jersey | 56 | 4.1% |
| Illinois | 49 | 3.6% |
| North Carolina | 48 | 3.5% |
| Michigan | 42 | 3.1% |
| Other states and territories | 537 | 39.1% |
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
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 7 different complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 920 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 920 | 67.0% |
| Internet | 240 | 17.5% |
| TV | 147 | 10.7% |
| Radio | 62 | 4.5% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.2% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
920 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 67.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 408 | 44.3% |
| Robocalls | 212 | 23.0% |
| Billing | 105 | 11.4% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 49 | 5.3% |
| Equipment | 40 | 4.3% |
| Junk Faxes | 33 | 3.6% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 32 | 3.5% |
| Privacy | 19 | 2.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 13 | 1.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 0.7% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.1% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.1% |
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
240 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 79 | 32.9% |
| Availability | 49 | 20.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 36 | 15.0% |
| Speed | 23 | 9.6% |
| Privacy | 20 | 8.3% |
| Equipment | 19 | 7.9% |
| Interference | 14 | 5.8% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality among the most common.
TV complaints
147 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 62 | 42.2% |
| Availability | 41 | 27.9% |
| Equipment | 17 | 11.6% |
| Interference | 11 | 7.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 9 | 6.1% |
| Indecency | 5 | 3.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Radio complaints
62 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 4.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 47 | 75.8% |
| Pirate Radio | 5 | 8.1% |
| Availability | 4 | 6.5% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 2 | 3.2% |
| Equipment | 2 | 3.2% |
| Billing | 1 | 1.6% |
| Indecency | 1 | 1.6% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Interference and Pirate Radio, 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.