FCC Consumer Complaints – 23 January 2017
Introduction
On 23 January 2017, 910 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, complaint volume increased from 268 complaints the previous day. The complaints came from 50 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
- 910
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (408)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (105)
Where the complaints came from
The 910 complaints recorded on 23 January 2017 originated from 654 cities across 50 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 105 | 11.5% |
| Texas | 63 | 6.9% |
| Florida | 58 | 6.4% |
| New York | 48 | 5.3% |
| Maryland | 40 | 4.4% |
| Georgia | 35 | 3.8% |
| Illinois | 34 | 3.7% |
| Ohio | 34 | 3.7% |
| Michigan | 33 | 3.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 33 | 3.6% |
| Other states and territories | 425 | 46.7% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 77 different cities.
What the complaints were about
A total of 7 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone was the most reported category, with 612 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 612 | 67.3% |
| Internet | 152 | 16.7% |
| TV | 110 | 12.1% |
| Radio | 30 | 3.3% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.2% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
612 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 67.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 408 | 66.7% |
| Billing | 114 | 18.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 23 | 3.8% |
| Equipment | 20 | 3.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 11 | 1.8% |
| Privacy | 11 | 1.8% |
| Junk Faxes | 9 | 1.5% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 1.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 4 | 0.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 0.5% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 2 | 0.3% |
As is typical for this category, unwanted calls accounted for the largest share of complaints. A more detailed analysis of these reports is provided in the section below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
152 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 16.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 62 | 40.8% |
| Availability | 31 | 20.4% |
| Speed | 27 | 17.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 11 | 7.2% |
| Privacy | 9 | 5.9% |
| Interference | 7 | 4.6% |
| Equipment | 5 | 3.3% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
110 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 59 | 53.6% |
| Availability | 30 | 27.3% |
| Equipment | 13 | 11.8% |
| Privacy | 5 | 4.5% |
| Interference | 2 | 1.8% |
| Indecency | 1 | 0.9% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Radio complaints
30 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 3.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 19 | 63.3% |
| Indecency | 5 | 16.7% |
| Pirate Radio | 3 | 10.0% |
| Availability | 2 | 6.7% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 3.3% |
Interference and Indecency were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
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.