FCC Consumer Complaints – 24 October 2017
Introduction
On 24 October 2017, 1286 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was higher than the 984 complaints recorded the previous day. Reports were received from 54 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 772 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1286
- States & territories reporting
- 54
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (772)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (162)
Where the complaints came from
The 1286 complaints recorded on 24 October 2017 were submitted from 858 cities across 54 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 | 162 | 12.6% |
| Florida | 99 | 7.7% |
| New York | 83 | 6.5% |
| Texas | 72 | 5.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 67 | 5.2% |
| Virginia | 49 | 3.8% |
| Georgia | 44 | 3.4% |
| Maryland | 43 | 3.3% |
| Illinois | 41 | 3.2% |
| Michigan | 41 | 3.2% |
| Other states and territories | 583 | 45.3% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 113 different cities.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 7 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 1010 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1010 | 78.5% |
| TV | 136 | 10.6% |
| Internet | 97 | 7.5% |
| Radio | 38 | 3.0% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
1010 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 78.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 772 | 76.4% |
| Billing | 100 | 9.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 35 | 3.5% |
| Privacy | 28 | 2.8% |
| Equipment | 21 | 2.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 19 | 1.9% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 17 | 1.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 9 | 0.9% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 8 | 0.8% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 1 | 0.1% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Privacy.
TV complaints
136 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 70 | 51.5% |
| Availability | 29 | 21.3% |
| Indecency | 11 | 8.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 11 | 8.1% |
| Equipment | 6 | 4.4% |
| Interference | 6 | 4.4% |
| Privacy | 3 | 2.2% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Internet complaints
97 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 42 | 43.3% |
| Availability | 19 | 19.6% |
| Speed | 12 | 12.4% |
| Interference | 11 | 11.3% |
| Privacy | 6 | 6.2% |
| Equipment | 4 | 4.1% |
| Open Internet/Net Neutrality | 3 | 3.1% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Radio complaints
38 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 3.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indecency | 22 | 57.9% |
| Interference | 10 | 26.3% |
| Pirate Radio | 3 | 7.9% |
| Availability | 1 | 2.6% |
| Billing | 1 | 2.6% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 1 | 2.6% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Indecency and Interference, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Unwanted calls
A total of 772 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, representing 60% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| (855) 297-5595 | 7 | 0.9% |
| (800) 787-8565 | 6 | 0.8% |
| (936) 398-6000 | 6 | 0.8% |
| (619) 682-3477 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (312) 871-4257 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (323) 318-3715 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (832) 240-5112 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (202) 836-9610 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (360) 930-3405 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (360) 979-2534 | 2 | 0.3% |
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (855) 297-5595 | 10 | 1.3% |
| (936) 398-6000 | 8 | 1.0% |
| (800) 787-8565 | 5 | 0.6% |
| (512) 641-0201 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (555) 555-5555 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (908) 408-2218 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (312) 871-4257 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (866) 933-5467 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (209) 297-6761 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (352) 600-3399 | 2 | 0.3% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (855) 297-5595 was reported slightly more often than other business contact numbers.
- (855) 297-5595 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.