FCC Consumer Complaints – 4 July 2016
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 384 consumer complaints on Monday, 4 July 2016 relating to telecommunications services, complaint volume increased from 245 complaints the day before. Complaints were reported across 44 states and territories, with Maryland slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Interference were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 384
- States & territories reporting
- 44
- Most common issue
- Interference (65)
- Most reported state/territory
- Maryland (56)
Where the complaints came from
The 384 complaints recorded on 4 July 2016 originated from 245 cities across 44 states and territories. Complaint activity was fairly evenly distributed, with no single state or territory accounting for a large share of reports. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 51 of the 56 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 56 | 14.6% |
| California | 44 | 11.5% |
| Connecticut | 28 | 7.3% |
| Florida | 28 | 7.3% |
| Texas | 26 | 6.8% |
| New Jersey | 15 | 3.9% |
| Virginia | 13 | 3.4% |
| New York | 12 | 3.1% |
| Washington | 12 | 3.1% |
| Kentucky | 10 | 2.6% |
| Other states and territories | 140 | 36.5% |
Location highlight
Nearly all complaints reported in Maryland originated from Frederick.
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 182 complaints. This was followed by Internet, which accounted for 87 complaints.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 182 | 47.4% |
| Internet | 87 | 22.7% |
| Radio | 56 | 14.6% |
| TV | 56 | 14.6% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.5% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
182 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 47.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 62 | 34.1% |
| Robocalls | 47 | 25.8% |
| Billing | 27 | 14.8% |
| Equipment | 14 | 7.7% |
| Privacy | 11 | 6.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 7 | 3.8% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 2.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 4 | 2.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 3 | 1.6% |
| Junk Faxes | 2 | 1.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.5% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing), Robocalls and Billing.
Internet complaints
87 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 22.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 18 | 20.7% |
| Speed | 17 | 19.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 16 | 18.4% |
| Billing | 14 | 16.1% |
| Privacy | 12 | 13.8% |
| Interference | 6 | 6.9% |
| Equipment | 4 | 4.6% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Availability, Speed and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
Radio complaints
56 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 54 | 96.4% |
| Availability | 1 | 1.8% |
| Indecency | 1 | 1.8% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Interference and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
56 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 23 | 41.1% |
| Equipment | 8 | 14.3% |
| Loud Commercials | 8 | 14.3% |
| Availability | 7 | 12.5% |
| Interference | 5 | 8.9% |
| Indecency | 4 | 7.1% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.8% |
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.