FCC Consumer Complaints – 25 September 2016
Introduction
On 25 September 2016, 399 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented a decline from the 487 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 47 states and territories, with Maryland slightly ahead of the other locations. Billing was reported slightly more frequently than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 399
- States & territories reporting
- 47
- Most common issue
- Billing (110)
- Most reported state/territory
- Maryland (52)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 25 September 2016 show 399 complaints originating from 286 cities across 47 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 48 of the 52 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 | 52 | 13.0% |
| California | 44 | 11.0% |
| Ohio | 34 | 8.5% |
| Texas | 30 | 7.5% |
| Florida | 25 | 6.3% |
| New York | 22 | 5.5% |
| Virginia | 17 | 4.3% |
| Illinois | 15 | 3.8% |
| Michigan | 14 | 3.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 13 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 133 | 33.3% |
Location highlight
Complaint activity in Maryland was almost entirely concentrated in Frederick.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 5 different complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 186 complaints. This was followed by Internet, which accounted for 95 complaints.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 186 | 46.6% |
| Internet | 95 | 23.8% |
| TV | 62 | 15.5% |
| Radio | 55 | 13.8% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
186 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 46.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 65 | 34.9% |
| Telemarketing (including do not call and spoofing) | 60 | 32.3% |
| Robocalls | 26 | 14.0% |
| Equipment | 11 | 5.9% |
| Privacy | 9 | 4.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 3.8% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 3 | 1.6% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 2 | 1.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 1 | 0.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.5% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.5% |
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
95 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 23.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 30 | 31.6% |
| Billing | 21 | 22.1% |
| Availability | 10 | 10.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 10 | 10.5% |
| Privacy | 10 | 10.5% |
| Interference | 9 | 9.5% |
| Equipment | 5 | 5.3% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Speed, Billing and Availability among the most common.
TV complaints
62 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 23 | 37.1% |
| Availability | 11 | 17.7% |
| Indecency | 10 | 16.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 8 | 12.9% |
| Equipment | 5 | 8.1% |
| Interference | 4 | 6.5% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 1.6% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Availability and Indecency among the most common.
Radio complaints
55 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 49 | 89.1% |
| Equipment | 2 | 3.6% |
| Billing | 1 | 1.8% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 1.8% |
| Indecency | 1 | 1.8% |
| Pirate Radio | 1 | 1.8% |
Interference and Equipment 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.