FCC Consumer Complaints – 9 February 2019
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 540 consumer complaints on 9 February 2019 relating to telecommunications services, this represented a decline from the 1001 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 47 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 333 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 540
- States & territories reporting
- 47
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (333)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (78)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 540 complaints were recorded on 9 February 2019, with reports originating from 371 cities in 47 states and territories. Overall, complaint activity was broadly distributed, with no single state or territory representing a significant proportion of the total. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Michigan, where Bloomfield township accounted for 23 of the 37 complaints recorded in the state.
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 | 78 | 14.4% |
| Florida | 58 | 10.7% |
| Michigan | 37 | 6.9% |
| New York | 31 | 5.7% |
| Texas | 27 | 5.0% |
| Illinois | 18 | 3.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | 3.3% |
| North Carolina | 17 | 3.1% |
| Georgia | 16 | 3.0% |
| Massachusetts | 16 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 224 | 41.5% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Michigan originated from Bloomfield township, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone was the most reported category, with 416 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 416 | 77.0% |
| Internet | 60 | 11.1% |
| TV | 53 | 9.8% |
| Radio | 7 | 1.3% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.6% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
416 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 77.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 333 | 80.0% |
| Billing | 21 | 5.0% |
| Equipment | 19 | 4.6% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 10 | 2.4% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 8 | 1.9% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 8 | 1.9% |
| Junk Faxes | 7 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 5 | 1.2% |
| Privacy | 5 | 1.2% |
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. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Equipment and Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) among the most common.
Internet complaints
60 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 21 | 35.0% |
| Speed | 17 | 28.3% |
| Availability | 8 | 13.3% |
| Interference | 7 | 11.7% |
| Equipment | 5 | 8.3% |
| Privacy | 2 | 3.3% |
Billing and Speed were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
53 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 9.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 27 | 50.9% |
| Indecency | 8 | 15.1% |
| Equipment | 6 | 11.3% |
| Loud Commercials | 5 | 9.4% |
| Availability | 4 | 7.5% |
| Interference | 3 | 5.7% |
Billing and Indecency were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less 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.