FCC Consumer Complaints – 16 March 2019
Introduction
A total of 507 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 16 March 2019, this represented a decline from the 1203 complaints recorded the day before. The complaints came from 44 states and territories, with Illinois reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. Unwanted Calls was the most frequently reported issue, with 250 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 507
- States & territories reporting
- 44
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (250)
- Most reported state/territory
- Illinois (103)
Where the complaints came from
The 507 complaints recorded on 16 March 2019 originated from 366 cities across 44 states and territories. Compared with most days, complaint activity was more concentrated, with Illinois contributing the largest share of complaints. At the city level, complaints were spread across locations, with no single city representing a significant proportion of the total.
The table below summarises the number of complaints reported in each state and territory on this date, ordered by total reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 103 | 20.3% |
| California | 52 | 10.3% |
| Florida | 41 | 8.1% |
| New York | 26 | 5.1% |
| Texas | 24 | 4.7% |
| Massachusetts | 22 | 4.3% |
| Georgia | 17 | 3.4% |
| Arizona | 16 | 3.2% |
| Ohio | 16 | 3.2% |
| Oklahoma | 16 | 3.2% |
| Other states and territories | 173 | 34.1% |
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 298 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 298 | 58.8% |
| TV | 147 | 29.0% |
| Internet | 51 | 10.1% |
| Radio | 8 | 1.6% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.4% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
298 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 58.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 250 | 83.9% |
| Billing | 20 | 6.7% |
| Equipment | 10 | 3.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 2.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 5 | 1.7% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 4 | 1.3% |
| Privacy | 2 | 0.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 1 | 0.3% |
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, Equipment and Interference (including signal jammers).
TV complaints
147 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 29.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 95 | 64.6% |
| Interference | 17 | 11.6% |
| Indecency | 13 | 8.8% |
| Billing | 11 | 7.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 6 | 4.1% |
| Equipment | 5 | 3.4% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Availability and Interference, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Internet complaints
51 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 20 | 39.2% |
| Availability | 8 | 15.7% |
| Speed | 8 | 15.7% |
| Interference | 6 | 11.8% |
| Privacy | 5 | 9.8% |
| Equipment | 4 | 7.8% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability and Speed.
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.