FCC Consumer Complaints – 2 May 2017
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 1222 consumer complaints on 2 May 2017 relating to telecommunications services, this represented an increase from the 915 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints were most commonly associated with Unwanted Calls, accounting for 625 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1222
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (625)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (146)
Where the complaints came from
The 1222 complaints recorded on 2 May 2017 originated from 833 cities across 51 states and territories. Complaint reports were spread across multiple states and territories, without any one location accounting for a large 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 | 146 | 11.9% |
| Florida | 100 | 8.2% |
| Texas | 93 | 7.6% |
| Ohio | 69 | 5.6% |
| New York | 64 | 5.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 46 | 3.8% |
| Georgia | 42 | 3.4% |
| North Carolina | 38 | 3.1% |
| Virginia | 37 | 3.0% |
| Illinois | 35 | 2.9% |
| Other states and territories | 543 | 44.4% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 867 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 867 | 70.9% |
| TV | 220 | 18.0% |
| Internet | 109 | 8.9% |
| Radio | 21 | 1.7% |
| Emergency | 4 | 0.3% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
867 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 70.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 625 | 72.1% |
| Billing | 92 | 10.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 36 | 4.2% |
| Equipment | 31 | 3.6% |
| Junk Faxes | 30 | 3.5% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 18 | 2.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 15 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 13 | 1.5% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 0.7% |
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, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment among the most common.
TV complaints
220 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indecency | 90 | 40.9% |
| Billing | 78 | 35.5% |
| Availability | 17 | 7.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 14 | 6.4% |
| Equipment | 12 | 5.5% |
| Interference | 8 | 3.6% |
| Privacy | 1 | 0.5% |
Indecency and Billing accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
109 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 43 | 39.4% |
| Speed | 17 | 15.6% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 16 | 14.7% |
| Availability | 13 | 11.9% |
| Equipment | 9 | 8.3% |
| Interference | 6 | 5.5% |
| Privacy | 5 | 4.6% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Speed and Open Internet/Net Neutrality among the most 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.