FCC Consumer Complaints – 14 September 2016
Introduction
On Wednesday, 14 September 2016, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1347 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services. Complaints were reported across 51 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
- 1347
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) (383)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (156)
Where the complaints came from
The 1347 complaints recorded on 14 September 2016 were submitted from 872 cities across 51 states and territories. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. A similar pattern is observed at the city level, with complaints spread across locations rather than concentrated in a single area.
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 | 156 | 11.6% |
| Florida | 103 | 7.6% |
| Texas | 98 | 7.3% |
| Ohio | 86 | 6.4% |
| New York | 82 | 6.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 62 | 4.6% |
| New Jersey | 52 | 3.9% |
| Michigan | 46 | 3.4% |
| Georgia | 43 | 3.2% |
| Maryland | 41 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 578 | 42.9% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 7 different complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 1024 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1024 | 76.0% |
| Internet | 199 | 14.8% |
| TV | 99 | 7.3% |
| Radio | 19 | 1.4% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 0.3% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
1024 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 76.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 383 | 37.4% |
| Robocalls | 287 | 28.0% |
| Billing | 210 | 20.5% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 26 | 2.5% |
| Equipment | 23 | 2.2% |
| Privacy | 23 | 2.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 21 | 2.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 20 | 2.0% |
| Junk Faxes | 16 | 1.6% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 8 | 0.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 6 | 0.6% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.1% |
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
199 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 59 | 29.6% |
| Availability | 38 | 19.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 34 | 17.1% |
| Speed | 32 | 16.1% |
| Privacy | 13 | 6.5% |
| Interference | 12 | 6.0% |
| Equipment | 11 | 5.5% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality.
TV complaints
99 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 53 | 53.5% |
| Availability | 20 | 20.2% |
| Equipment | 8 | 8.1% |
| Indecency | 5 | 5.1% |
| Interference | 5 | 5.1% |
| Privacy | 4 | 4.0% |
| Loud Commercials | 2 | 2.0% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 2.0% |
Billing and Availability 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.