FCC Consumer Complaints – 2 March 2019
Introduction
On 2 March 2019, 453 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was lower than the 1172 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 46 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 281 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 453
- States & territories reporting
- 46
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (281)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (64)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 453 complaints were recorded on 2 March 2019, with reports originating from 322 cities in 46 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. At the city level, a significant concentration was observed in Washington, where La conner accounted for 40 of the 50 complaints recorded.
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 | 64 | 14.1% |
| Washington | 50 | 11.0% |
| Florida | 35 | 7.7% |
| Texas | 30 | 6.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 24 | 5.3% |
| North Carolina | 22 | 4.9% |
| New York | 17 | 3.8% |
| Ohio | 17 | 3.8% |
| Massachusetts | 16 | 3.5% |
| Michigan | 16 | 3.5% |
| Other states and territories | 162 | 35.8% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Washington originated from La conner, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
A total of 4 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 349 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 349 | 77.0% |
| TV | 57 | 12.6% |
| Internet | 42 | 9.3% |
| Radio | 5 | 1.1% |
Phone complaints
349 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 77.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 281 | 80.5% |
| Billing | 23 | 6.6% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 13 | 3.7% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 11 | 3.2% |
| Equipment | 11 | 3.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 5 | 1.4% |
| Privacy | 4 | 1.1% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 1 | 0.3% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) and Availability (including rural call completion) among the most common.
TV complaints
57 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 22 | 38.6% |
| Availability | 10 | 17.5% |
| Equipment | 8 | 14.0% |
| Indecency | 8 | 14.0% |
| Loud Commercials | 5 | 8.8% |
| Interference | 3 | 5.3% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.8% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Availability and Equipment among the most common.
Internet complaints
42 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 9.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 14 | 33.3% |
| Billing | 12 | 28.6% |
| Privacy | 6 | 14.3% |
| Speed | 5 | 11.9% |
| Interference | 4 | 9.5% |
| Equipment | 1 | 2.4% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Availability and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Unwanted calls
There were 281 complaints relating to unwanted calls on this date, representing 62% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| (734) 526-6193 | 7 | 2.5% |
| (518) 800-4007 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (734) 259-3533 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (734) 724-7586 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (800) 275-2273 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (870) 376-0805 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (928) 754-0261 | 2 | 0.7% |
| (210) 926-0365 | 1 | 0.4% |
| (212) 434-0035 | 1 | 0.4% |
| (213) 277-5184 | 1 | 0.4% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- Reports were spread across many different business contact numbers, with no single number dominating.
- (734) 526-6193 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.