FCC Consumer Complaints – 7 March 2017
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 1127 consumer complaints on 7 March 2017 relating to telecommunications services, this represented an increase from the 845 complaints recorded the day before. Reports were received from 52 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 540 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1127
- States & territories reporting
- 52
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (540)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (149)
Where the complaints came from
On 7 March 2017, the 1127 complaints recorded by the Federal Communications Commission were reported from 753 cities across 52 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | 149 | 13.2% |
| Florida | 84 | 7.5% |
| Texas | 73 | 6.5% |
| New York | 67 | 5.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 52 | 4.6% |
| Maryland | 44 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 44 | 3.9% |
| Georgia | 33 | 2.9% |
| Michigan | 33 | 2.9% |
| Illinois | 32 | 2.8% |
| Other states and territories | 503 | 44.6% |
Location highlight
Complaints in California were reported across 97 cities, the widest spread observed on this date.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 6 complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 806 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 806 | 71.5% |
| Internet | 151 | 13.4% |
| TV | 135 | 12.0% |
| Radio | 29 | 2.6% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 0.3% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
806 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 71.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 540 | 67.0% |
| Billing | 109 | 13.5% |
| Equipment | 54 | 6.7% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 40 | 5.0% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 21 | 2.6% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 12 | 1.5% |
| Junk Faxes | 9 | 1.1% |
| Privacy | 8 | 1.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 5 | 0.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 0.4% |
| Rural Call Completion | 3 | 0.4% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 2 | 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. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion) among the most common.
Internet complaints
151 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 59 | 39.1% |
| Availability | 25 | 16.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 19 | 12.6% |
| Speed | 19 | 12.6% |
| Equipment | 10 | 6.6% |
| Interference | 10 | 6.6% |
| Privacy | 9 | 6.0% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Availability and Open Internet/Net Neutrality among the most common.
TV complaints
135 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 81 | 60.0% |
| Availability | 20 | 14.8% |
| Equipment | 14 | 10.4% |
| Interference | 9 | 6.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 7 | 5.2% |
| Indecency | 4 | 3.0% |
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.