FCC Consumer Complaints – 18 September 2016
Introduction
A total of 494 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 18 September 2016, this represented a decline from the 667 complaints recorded the day before. The complaints came from 45 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. The most common issue reported was Billing, accounting for 184 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 494
- States & territories reporting
- 45
- Most common issue
- Billing (184)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (52)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 18 September 2016 show 494 complaints originating from 387 cities across 45 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 29 of the 41 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 | 52 | 10.5% |
| Maryland | 41 | 8.3% |
| Ohio | 35 | 7.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 33 | 6.7% |
| Florida | 32 | 6.5% |
| Texas | 30 | 6.1% |
| Michigan | 21 | 4.3% |
| Virginia | 20 | 4.0% |
| Georgia | 18 | 3.6% |
| Illinois | 17 | 3.4% |
| Other states and territories | 195 | 39.5% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Maryland originated from Frederick, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 4 complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 286 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 286 | 57.9% |
| Internet | 97 | 19.6% |
| TV | 76 | 15.4% |
| Radio | 35 | 7.1% |
Phone complaints
286 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 57.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 128 | 44.8% |
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 51 | 17.8% |
| Robocalls | 32 | 11.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 18 | 6.3% |
| Equipment | 17 | 5.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 12 | 4.2% |
| Privacy | 10 | 3.5% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 8 | 2.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 5 | 1.7% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 4 | 1.4% |
| Junk Faxes | 1 | 0.3% |
Billing and Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Internet complaints
97 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 19.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 37 | 38.1% |
| Speed | 20 | 20.6% |
| Availability | 13 | 13.4% |
| Privacy | 10 | 10.3% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 8 | 8.2% |
| Interference | 7 | 7.2% |
| Equipment | 2 | 2.1% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Speed and Availability.
TV complaints
76 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 18 | 23.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 15 | 19.7% |
| Indecency | 14 | 18.4% |
| Availability | 13 | 17.1% |
| Interference | 8 | 10.5% |
| Equipment | 7 | 9.2% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.3% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Loud Commercials and Indecency.
Radio complaints
35 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 29 | 82.9% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 2 | 5.7% |
| Billing | 1 | 2.9% |
| Equipment | 1 | 2.9% |
| Indecency | 1 | 2.9% |
| Pirate Radio | 1 | 2.9% |
Interference and Commercials/Promotions were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
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.