FCC Consumer Complaints – 25 July 2016
Introduction
On Monday, 25 July 2016, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1094 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this represented an increase from the 346 complaints recorded the previous day. Reports were received from 48 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) was reported slightly more frequently than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1094
- States & territories reporting
- 48
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (318)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (122)
Where the complaints came from
On 25 July 2016, the 1094 complaints recorded by the Federal Communications Commission were reported from 732 cities across 48 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. At the city level, a significant concentration was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 39 of the 63 complaints recorded.
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 | 122 | 11.2% |
| Florida | 98 | 9.0% |
| Texas | 83 | 7.6% |
| New York | 69 | 6.3% |
| Maryland | 63 | 5.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | 4.6% |
| North Carolina | 48 | 4.4% |
| Michigan | 40 | 3.7% |
| Virginia | 40 | 3.7% |
| New Jersey | 39 | 3.6% |
| Other states and territories | 439 | 40.1% |
Location highlight
Frederick accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Maryland.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 747 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 747 | 68.3% |
| Internet | 170 | 15.5% |
| TV | 116 | 10.6% |
| Radio | 53 | 4.8% |
| Emergency | 5 | 0.5% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
747 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 68.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 318 | 42.6% |
| Robocalls | 204 | 27.3% |
| Billing | 89 | 11.9% |
| Equipment | 36 | 4.8% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 22 | 2.9% |
| Privacy | 22 | 2.9% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 19 | 2.5% |
| Junk Faxes | 12 | 1.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 10 | 1.3% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 8 | 1.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 0.9% |
Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) and Robocalls accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
170 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 46 | 27.1% |
| Billing | 46 | 27.1% |
| Speed | 28 | 16.5% |
| Privacy | 18 | 10.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 16 | 9.4% |
| Interference | 10 | 5.9% |
| Equipment | 6 | 3.5% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Availability, Billing and Speed.
TV complaints
116 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 51 | 44.0% |
| Availability | 20 | 17.2% |
| Loud Commercials | 18 | 15.5% |
| Equipment | 14 | 12.1% |
| Indecency | 5 | 4.3% |
| Interference | 5 | 4.3% |
| Privacy | 2 | 1.7% |
Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Radio complaints
53 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 4.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 45 | 84.9% |
| Pirate Radio | 4 | 7.5% |
| Availability | 3 | 5.7% |
| Indecency | 1 | 1.9% |
Interference and Pirate Radio accounted for the majority 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.