FCC Consumer Complaints – 21 January 2017
Introduction
On Saturday, 21 January 2017, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 393 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this was lower than the 918 complaints recorded the day before. The complaints came from 46 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 393
- States & territories reporting
- 46
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (130)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (60)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 393 complaints were recorded on 21 January 2017, with reports originating from 302 cities in 46 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | 60 | 15.3% |
| Texas | 34 | 8.7% |
| Florida | 33 | 8.4% |
| New York | 23 | 5.9% |
| Illinois | 20 | 5.1% |
| Georgia | 18 | 4.6% |
| New Jersey | 18 | 4.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 16 | 4.1% |
| Maryland | 14 | 3.6% |
| Washington | 13 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 144 | 36.6% |
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 211 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 211 | 53.7% |
| Internet | 98 | 24.9% |
| TV | 60 | 15.3% |
| Radio | 23 | 5.9% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
211 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 53.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 130 | 61.6% |
| Billing | 45 | 21.3% |
| Equipment | 8 | 3.8% |
| Privacy | 8 | 3.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 3.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 5 | 2.4% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 5 | 2.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 2 | 0.9% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.5% |
Unwanted calls again accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category. These reports are examined in more detail in the section below. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Equipment and Privacy among the most common.
Internet complaints
98 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 24.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 37 | 37.8% |
| Speed | 20 | 20.4% |
| Availability | 16 | 16.3% |
| Equipment | 9 | 9.2% |
| Privacy | 7 | 7.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 5 | 5.1% |
| Interference | 4 | 4.1% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Speed and Availability among the most common.
TV complaints
60 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 30 | 50.0% |
| Availability | 20 | 33.3% |
| Equipment | 6 | 10.0% |
| Indecency | 2 | 3.3% |
| Interference | 1 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.7% |
Billing and Availability 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.