FCC Consumer Complaints – 13 September 2017
Introduction
On 13 September 2017, 1011 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented a decline from the 1042 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, and California generated the highest number of submissions with 142 complaints. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 641 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1011
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (641)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (142)
Where the complaints came from
The 1011 complaints recorded on 13 September 2017 were submitted from 693 cities across 51 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. A similar pattern is observed at the city level, with complaints spread across locations rather than concentrated in a single area.
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 | 142 | 14.0% |
| New York | 63 | 6.2% |
| Texas | 61 | 6.0% |
| Florida | 48 | 4.7% |
| Ohio | 39 | 3.9% |
| Virginia | 39 | 3.9% |
| Illinois | 38 | 3.8% |
| New Jersey | 36 | 3.6% |
| Michigan | 35 | 3.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 35 | 3.5% |
| Other states and territories | 475 | 47.0% |
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 808 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 808 | 79.9% |
| TV | 97 | 9.6% |
| Internet | 83 | 8.2% |
| Radio | 21 | 2.1% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.1% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
808 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 79.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 641 | 79.3% |
| Billing | 60 | 7.4% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 30 | 3.7% |
| Equipment | 23 | 2.8% |
| Privacy | 13 | 1.6% |
| Junk Faxes | 12 | 1.5% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 10 | 1.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 9 | 1.1% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 6 | 0.7% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 3 | 0.4% |
| Rural Call Completion | 1 | 0.1% |
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.
TV complaints
97 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 9.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 44 | 45.4% |
| Availability | 21 | 21.6% |
| Loud Commercials | 13 | 13.4% |
| Indecency | 10 | 10.3% |
| Equipment | 5 | 5.2% |
| Privacy | 3 | 3.1% |
| Interference | 1 | 1.0% |
Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
83 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 26 | 31.3% |
| Availability | 23 | 27.7% |
| Speed | 16 | 19.3% |
| Interference | 8 | 9.6% |
| Privacy | 6 | 7.2% |
| Equipment | 2 | 2.4% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 2 | 2.4% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
Unwanted calls
A total of 641 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, representing 63.4% of all complaints. Caller ID and business contact numbers are shown below where sufficient data is available.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (470) 689-1197 | 5 | 0.8% |
| (202) 236-1209 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (408) 989-0100 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (425) 553-2185 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (800) 787-8565 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (862) 354-8459 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (201) 800-9994 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (202) 856-6998 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (206) 451-5187 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (210) 802-0641 | 2 | 0.3% |
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (555) 555-5555 | 8 | 1.2% |
| (470) 689-1197 | 6 | 0.9% |
| (425) 553-2185 | 4 | 0.6% |
| (862) 354-8459 | 4 | 0.6% |
| (408) 989-0100 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (800) 871-3984 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (833) 206-1841 | 3 | 0.5% |
| (201) 800-9995 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (202) 996-3787 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (210) 802-0641 | 2 | 0.3% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (555) 555-5555 was reported slightly more often than other business contact numbers.
- (470) 689-1197 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.