FCC Consumer Complaints – 23 May 2016
Introduction
A total of 1002 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 23 May 2016, this represented an increase from the 316 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 49 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
- 1002
- States & territories reporting
- 49
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (305)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (131)
Where the complaints came from
On 23 May 2016, the 1002 complaints recorded by the Federal Communications Commission were reported from 678 cities across 49 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. 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 | 131 | 13.1% |
| Florida | 103 | 10.3% |
| Texas | 79 | 7.9% |
| New York | 56 | 5.6% |
| New Jersey | 45 | 4.5% |
| Virginia | 44 | 4.4% |
| Ohio | 36 | 3.6% |
| Georgia | 35 | 3.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 32 | 3.2% |
| South Carolina | 29 | 2.9% |
| Other states and territories | 410 | 40.9% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 5 complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 676 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 676 | 67.5% |
| Internet | 186 | 18.6% |
| TV | 120 | 12.0% |
| Radio | 19 | 1.9% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
676 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 67.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 305 | 45.1% |
| Robocalls | 165 | 24.4% |
| Billing | 82 | 12.1% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 30 | 4.4% |
| Privacy | 24 | 3.6% |
| Equipment | 22 | 3.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 21 | 3.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 16 | 2.4% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 1.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 1 | 0.1% |
| 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
186 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 48 | 25.8% |
| Billing | 41 | 22.0% |
| Availability | 36 | 19.4% |
| Speed | 25 | 13.4% |
| Interference | 14 | 7.5% |
| Privacy | 13 | 7.0% |
| Equipment | 9 | 4.8% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Open Internet/Net Neutrality, Billing and Availability.
TV complaints
120 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 50 | 41.7% |
| Availability | 20 | 16.7% |
| Indecency | 17 | 14.2% |
| Equipment | 16 | 13.3% |
| Interference | 7 | 5.8% |
| Loud Commercials | 6 | 5.0% |
| Privacy | 4 | 3.3% |
Billing represented the largest share of complaints recorded in this category, with lower volumes reported across the remaining issues.
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.