FCC Consumer Complaints – 21 February 2019
Introduction
On Thursday, 21 February 2019, 1230 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was higher than the 1068 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Unwanted Calls was the most frequently reported issue, with 856 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1230
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (856)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (137)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 1230 complaints were recorded on 21 February 2019, with reports originating from 778 cities in 51 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. Despite the overall distribution, a notable concentration at the city level was observed in Alabama, where Wetumpka accounted for 21 of the 32 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 | 137 | 11.1% |
| Florida | 110 | 8.9% |
| Texas | 97 | 7.9% |
| New York | 80 | 6.5% |
| New Jersey | 50 | 4.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 47 | 3.8% |
| Michigan | 43 | 3.5% |
| Georgia | 42 | 3.4% |
| North Carolina | 41 | 3.3% |
| Illinois | 37 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 536 | 43.6% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Alabama originated from Wetumpka, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 5 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 1014 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1014 | 82.4% |
| TV | 109 | 8.9% |
| Internet | 91 | 7.4% |
| Radio | 12 | 1.0% |
| Emergency | 4 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
1014 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 82.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 856 | 84.4% |
| Billing | 63 | 6.2% |
| Equipment | 25 | 2.5% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 24 | 2.4% |
| Junk Faxes | 15 | 1.5% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 14 | 1.4% |
| Privacy | 8 | 0.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 5 | 0.5% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 0.4% |
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, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion).
TV complaints
109 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 74 | 67.9% |
| Equipment | 12 | 11.0% |
| Indecency | 8 | 7.3% |
| Availability | 6 | 5.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 5 | 4.6% |
| Interference | 3 | 2.8% |
| Privacy | 1 | 0.9% |
Billing and Equipment accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
91 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 7.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 40 | 44.0% |
| Availability | 20 | 22.0% |
| Speed | 10 | 11.0% |
| Equipment | 9 | 9.9% |
| Privacy | 9 | 9.9% |
| Interference | 3 | 3.3% |
Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Unwanted calls
There were 856 complaints relating to unwanted calls on this date, representing 69.6% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| (732) 284-2115 | 8 | 0.9% |
| (407) 870-9870 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (559) 201-1732 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (732) 284-2122 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (732) 284-2127 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (254) 312-8548 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (310) 633-2670 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (315) 967-2011 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (415) 840-8972 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (513) 940-7250 | 2 | 0.2% |
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (732) 284-2115 | 6 | 0.7% |
| (732) 284-2127 | 4 | 0.5% |
| (407) 870-9870 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (732) 284-2091 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (843) 473-4986 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (310) 633-2670 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (315) 967-2011 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (323) 784-6782 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (516) 441-8935 | 2 | 0.2% |
| (559) 201-1737 | 2 | 0.2% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice accounted for the largest share of unwanted call complaints by call type.
- (732) 284-2115 was reported slightly more often than other business contact numbers.
- (732) 284-2115 stood out as the most frequently reported caller ID number.
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.