FCC Consumer Complaints – 25 December 2016
Introduction
On 25 December 2016, 141 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was lower than the 255 complaints recorded the previous day. Reports were received from 35 states and territories, with Maryland recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Complaints were most commonly associated with Billing, accounting for 38 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 141
- States & territories reporting
- 35
- Most common issue
- Billing (38)
- Most reported state/territory
- Maryland (12)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 25 December 2016 show 141 complaints originating from 116 cities across 35 states and territories. The complaints were widely dispersed, with no single state or territory representing a notable proportion of the total. This pattern continues at the city level, where complaints were distributed across multiple locations without a single city standing out.
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 | 12 | 8.5% |
| Florida | 11 | 7.8% |
| California | 10 | 7.1% |
| Texas | 9 | 6.4% |
| Illinois | 8 | 5.7% |
| Washington | 8 | 5.7% |
| Michigan | 7 | 5.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 7 | 5.0% |
| Iowa | 6 | 4.3% |
| New York | 5 | 3.5% |
| Other states and territories | 58 | 41.1% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 5 complaint categories. Internet accounted for the largest share, with 49 complaints. Overall, complaint activity was spread across multiple categories rather than being dominated by a single type of report.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | 49 | 34.8% |
| Phone | 42 | 29.8% |
| TV | 36 | 25.5% |
| Radio | 13 | 9.2% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.7% |
Internet complaints
49 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 34.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 14 | 28.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 10 | 20.4% |
| Speed | 10 | 20.4% |
| Availability | 7 | 14.3% |
| Privacy | 4 | 8.2% |
| Equipment | 2 | 4.1% |
| Interference | 2 | 4.1% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Open Internet/Net Neutrality and Speed.
Phone complaints
42 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 29.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 13 | 31.0% |
| Unwanted Calls | 12 | 28.6% |
| Equipment | 4 | 9.5% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 3 | 7.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 3 | 7.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 2 | 4.8% |
| Privacy | 2 | 4.8% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 1 | 2.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 2.4% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 2.4% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Unwanted Calls and Equipment.
TV complaints
36 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 25.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 11 | 30.6% |
| Loud Commercials | 11 | 30.6% |
| Availability | 6 | 16.7% |
| Indecency | 4 | 11.1% |
| Equipment | 3 | 8.3% |
| Interference | 1 | 2.8% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Loud Commercials, 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.