FCC Consumer Complaints – 27 October 2016
Introduction
On 27 October 2016, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1126 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, complaint volume increased from 1072 complaints the previous day. Complaints were reported across 48 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints were most commonly associated with Unwanted Calls, accounting for 496 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1126
- States & territories reporting
- 48
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (496)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (171)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 1126 complaints were recorded on 27 October 2016, with reports originating from 716 cities in 48 states and territories. Complaint reports were spread across multiple states and territories, without any one location accounting for a large share. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Nebraska, where Omaha accounted for 21 of the 30 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 | 171 | 15.2% |
| Florida | 97 | 8.6% |
| Texas | 75 | 6.7% |
| New Jersey | 68 | 6.0% |
| New York | 59 | 5.2% |
| Maryland | 50 | 4.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 44 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 41 | 3.6% |
| Colorado | 40 | 3.6% |
| Illinois | 37 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 443 | 39.3% |
Location highlight
Omaha accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Nebraska.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 7 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 725 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 725 | 64.4% |
| Internet | 240 | 21.3% |
| TV | 121 | 10.7% |
| Radio | 33 | 2.9% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 0.3% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.2% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
725 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 64.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 496 | 68.4% |
| Billing | 104 | 14.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 28 | 3.9% |
| Equipment | 27 | 3.7% |
| Junk Faxes | 20 | 2.8% |
| Privacy | 15 | 2.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 13 | 1.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 10 | 1.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 9 | 1.2% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.1% |
| Rural Call Completion | 1 | 0.1% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.1% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
240 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 21.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 80 | 33.3% |
| Billing | 74 | 30.8% |
| Availability | 38 | 15.8% |
| Speed | 20 | 8.3% |
| Equipment | 11 | 4.6% |
| Interference | 9 | 3.8% |
| Privacy | 8 | 3.3% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Open Internet/Net Neutrality and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
121 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 62 | 51.2% |
| Equipment | 14 | 11.6% |
| Availability | 13 | 10.7% |
| Indecency | 12 | 9.9% |
| Loud Commercials | 11 | 9.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 4 | 3.3% |
| Interference | 3 | 2.5% |
| Privacy | 2 | 1.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Equipment, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Radio complaints
33 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 2.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 27 | 81.8% |
| Pirate Radio | 2 | 6.1% |
| Billing | 1 | 3.0% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 3.0% |
| Equipment | 1 | 3.0% |
| Indecency | 1 | 3.0% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Interference and Pirate Radio, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
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.