FCC Consumer Complaints – 2 July 2016
Introduction
On 2 July 2016, 436 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented a decline from the 876 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 48 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
- 436
- States & territories reporting
- 48
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (110)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (55)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 2 July 2016 show 436 complaints originating from 340 cities across 48 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 22 of the 34 complaints recorded in the state.
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 | 55 | 12.6% |
| Florida | 47 | 10.8% |
| Texas | 36 | 8.3% |
| Maryland | 34 | 7.8% |
| Georgia | 20 | 4.6% |
| Illinois | 20 | 4.6% |
| New York | 20 | 4.6% |
| Arizona | 17 | 3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 17 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 15 | 3.4% |
| Other states and territories | 155 | 35.6% |
Location highlight
Complaints in Maryland were heavily concentrated in Frederick, which accounted for the majority of reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 251 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 251 | 57.6% |
| Internet | 108 | 24.8% |
| TV | 48 | 11.0% |
| Radio | 27 | 6.2% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
251 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 57.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 110 | 43.8% |
| Robocalls | 48 | 19.1% |
| Billing | 34 | 13.5% |
| Equipment | 16 | 6.4% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 11 | 4.4% |
| Privacy | 11 | 4.4% |
| Junk Faxes | 9 | 3.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 6 | 2.4% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 3 | 1.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 0.8% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.4% |
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
108 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 24.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 27 | 25.0% |
| Billing | 25 | 23.1% |
| Speed | 18 | 16.7% |
| Privacy | 13 | 12.0% |
| Interference | 11 | 10.2% |
| Equipment | 7 | 6.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 7 | 6.5% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Availability, Billing and Speed among the most common.
TV complaints
48 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 43.8% |
| Equipment | 7 | 14.6% |
| Indecency | 6 | 12.5% |
| Interference | 6 | 12.5% |
| Availability | 5 | 10.4% |
| Loud Commercials | 2 | 4.2% |
| Privacy | 1 | 2.1% |
Billing accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
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.