FCC Consumer Complaints – 24 November 2016
Introduction
A total of 273 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, 24 November 2016, this represented a decline from the 742 complaints recorded the day before. Reports were received from 41 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Unwanted Calls recorded a slightly higher number of complaints than other issues.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 273
- States & territories reporting
- 41
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (94)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (32)
Where the complaints came from
The 273 complaints recorded on 24 November 2016 originated from 195 cities across 41 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 21 of the 30 complaints recorded in the state.
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 | 32 | 11.7% |
| Maryland | 30 | 11.0% |
| Texas | 26 | 9.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 19 | 7.0% |
| Georgia | 15 | 5.5% |
| New York | 15 | 5.5% |
| Florida | 13 | 4.8% |
| Ohio | 9 | 3.3% |
| Minnesota | 8 | 2.9% |
| Illinois | 7 | 2.6% |
| Other states and territories | 99 | 36.3% |
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
Complaints recorded on this date related to 5 different complaint categories. Phone was the most reported category, with 151 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 151 | 55.3% |
| Internet | 56 | 20.5% |
| TV | 35 | 12.8% |
| Radio | 29 | 10.6% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.7% |
Phone complaints
151 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 55.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 94 | 62.3% |
| Billing | 35 | 23.2% |
| Equipment | 6 | 4.0% |
| Junk Faxes | 3 | 2.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 2 | 1.3% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 2 | 1.3% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 2 | 1.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 2 | 1.3% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 1.3% |
| Privacy | 2 | 1.3% |
| Rural Call Completion | 1 | 0.7% |
Unwanted calls again accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category. These reports are examined in more detail in the section below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Junk Faxes.
Internet complaints
56 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 20.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 20 | 35.7% |
| Speed | 13 | 23.2% |
| Availability | 8 | 14.3% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 6 | 10.7% |
| Interference | 4 | 7.1% |
| Privacy | 4 | 7.1% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.8% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Speed and Availability.
TV complaints
35 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 11 | 31.4% |
| Loud Commercials | 8 | 22.9% |
| Availability | 6 | 17.1% |
| Equipment | 5 | 14.3% |
| Indecency | 4 | 11.4% |
| Interference | 1 | 2.9% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Loud Commercials and Availability.
Radio complaints
29 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 25 | 86.2% |
| Pirate Radio | 3 | 10.3% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 3.4% |
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.