FCC Consumer Complaints – 19 November 2018
Introduction
On 19 November 2018, 1084 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented an increase from the 254 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 50 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints were most commonly associated with Unwanted Calls, accounting for 764 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1084
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (764)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (99)
Where the complaints came from
The 1084 complaints recorded on 19 November 2018 were submitted from 744 cities across 50 states and territories. The complaints were widely dispersed, with no single state or territory representing a notable proportion of the total. At the city level, a significant concentration was observed in Iowa, where Iowa City accounted for 31 of the 35 complaints recorded.
The table below shows the distribution of complaints by state and territory for this date, highlighting the locations with the highest number of reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 99 | 9.1% |
| Florida | 87 | 8.0% |
| Texas | 85 | 7.8% |
| New York | 72 | 6.6% |
| Michigan | 46 | 4.2% |
| Ohio | 44 | 4.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 40 | 3.7% |
| Georgia | 38 | 3.5% |
| Illinois | 37 | 3.4% |
| Iowa | 35 | 3.2% |
| Other states and territories | 501 | 46.2% |
Location highlight
Iowa City accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Iowa.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 924 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 924 | 85.2% |
| TV | 75 | 6.9% |
| Internet | 71 | 6.5% |
| Radio | 9 | 0.8% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 0.4% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
924 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 85.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 764 | 82.7% |
| Billing | 67 | 7.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 26 | 2.8% |
| Equipment | 19 | 2.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 16 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 9 | 1.0% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 8 | 0.9% |
| Privacy | 8 | 0.9% |
| Junk Faxes | 7 | 0.8% |
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. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
TV complaints
75 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 6.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 34 | 45.3% |
| Availability | 18 | 24.0% |
| Equipment | 8 | 10.7% |
| Indecency | 6 | 8.0% |
| Interference | 5 | 6.7% |
| Loud Commercials | 3 | 4.0% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.3% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Internet complaints
71 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 6.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 20 | 28.2% |
| Availability | 19 | 26.8% |
| Privacy | 11 | 15.5% |
| Speed | 10 | 14.1% |
| Equipment | 8 | 11.3% |
| Interference | 3 | 4.2% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability and Privacy.
Unwanted calls
There were 764 complaints relating to unwanted calls on this date, representing 70.5% of all complaints. Caller ID and business contact number details are listed below where there is enough concentration to make the data meaningful.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (561) 327-2181 | 9 | 1.2% |
| (800) 772-1213 | 6 | 0.8% |
| (319) 400-7890 | 5 | 0.7% |
| (310) 633-2670 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (713) 568-4531 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (229) 337-8726 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (310) 747-9805 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (360) 602-6850 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (800) 945-2000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (810) 546-6049 | 2 | 0.3% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice accounted for the largest share of unwanted call complaints by call type.
- Reports were spread across many different business contact numbers, with no single number dominating.
- (561) 327-2181 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.