FCC Consumer Complaints – 16 January 2017
Introduction
A total of 712 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 16 January 2017, this represented an increase from the 317 complaints recorded the previous day. Reports were received from 49 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Complaints were most commonly associated with Unwanted Calls, accounting for 348 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 712
- States & territories reporting
- 49
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (348)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (78)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 712 complaints were recorded on 16 January 2017, with reports originating from 494 cities in 49 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Maryland, where Frederick accounted for 55 of the 69 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 | 78 | 11.0% |
| Maryland | 69 | 9.7% |
| Texas | 48 | 6.7% |
| Florida | 33 | 4.6% |
| New York | 31 | 4.4% |
| Washington | 31 | 4.4% |
| North Carolina | 24 | 3.4% |
| New Jersey | 24 | 3.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 24 | 3.4% |
| Illinois | 22 | 3.1% |
| Other states and territories | 327 | 45.9% |
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
A total of 5 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 479 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 479 | 67.3% |
| Internet | 109 | 15.3% |
| Radio | 64 | 9.0% |
| TV | 59 | 8.3% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
479 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 67.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 348 | 72.7% |
| Billing | 65 | 13.6% |
| Equipment | 18 | 3.8% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 14 | 2.9% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 10 | 2.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 10 | 2.1% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 0.8% |
| Junk Faxes | 4 | 0.8% |
| Privacy | 4 | 0.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.2% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion).
Internet complaints
109 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 47 | 43.1% |
| Speed | 24 | 22.0% |
| Availability | 14 | 12.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 10 | 9.2% |
| Interference | 5 | 4.6% |
| Privacy | 5 | 4.6% |
| Equipment | 4 | 3.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Speed, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Radio complaints
64 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 9.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 56 | 87.5% |
| Pirate Radio | 5 | 7.8% |
| Availability | 2 | 3.1% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.6% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Interference and Pirate Radio, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
59 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 27 | 45.8% |
| Availability | 16 | 27.1% |
| Equipment | 8 | 13.6% |
| Indecency | 3 | 5.1% |
| Privacy | 3 | 5.1% |
| Interference | 2 | 3.4% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Unwanted calls
348 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, accounting for 48.9% of all complaints. Reports referenced both caller ID numbers and business contact numbers, with number tables shown where meaningful patterns are present.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (239) 541-6800 | 5 | 1.4% |
| (239) 580-6025 | 3 | 0.9% |
| (406) 258-6507 | 3 | 0.9% |
| (206) 285-3101 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (219) 427-1281 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (315) 966-9777 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (351) 205-0477 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (408) 457-1600 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (424) 395-0627 | 2 | 0.6% |
| (540) 870-0457 | 2 | 0.6% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- Reports were spread across many different business contact numbers, with no single number dominating.
- (239) 541-6800 was reported slightly more often than other caller ID numbers.
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.