FCC Consumer Complaints – 30 May 2016
Introduction
A total of 352 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 30 May 2016, this was higher than the 266 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 43 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 352
- States & territories reporting
- 43
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (88)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (38)
Where the complaints came from
The 352 complaints recorded on 30 May 2016 were submitted from 251 cities across 43 states and territories. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 21 of the 34 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 | 38 | 10.8% |
| Maryland | 34 | 9.7% |
| Florida | 30 | 8.5% |
| Texas | 27 | 7.7% |
| Georgia | 20 | 5.7% |
| New York | 19 | 5.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 17 | 4.8% |
| Illinois | 14 | 4.0% |
| Colorado | 10 | 2.8% |
| Arizona | 9 | 2.6% |
| Other states and territories | 134 | 38.1% |
Location highlight
Frederick accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Maryland.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 7 complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 180 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 180 | 51.1% |
| Internet | 83 | 23.6% |
| TV | 53 | 15.1% |
| Radio | 29 | 8.2% |
| Emergency | 4 | 1.1% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.6% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
180 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 51.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 88 | 48.9% |
| Robocalls | 43 | 23.9% |
| Billing | 21 | 11.7% |
| Equipment | 9 | 5.0% |
| Privacy | 7 | 3.9% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 5 | 2.8% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 4 | 2.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 2 | 1.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 1 | 0.6% |
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
83 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 23.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 25.3% |
| Availability | 16 | 19.3% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 16 | 19.3% |
| Speed | 11 | 13.3% |
| Privacy | 9 | 10.8% |
| Interference | 6 | 7.2% |
| Equipment | 4 | 4.8% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
53 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 13 | 24.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 12 | 22.6% |
| Availability | 11 | 20.8% |
| Indecency | 7 | 13.2% |
| Equipment | 3 | 5.7% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 5.7% |
| Interference | 2 | 3.8% |
| Privacy | 2 | 3.8% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Loud Commercials and Availability.
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.