FCC Consumer Complaints – 1 September 2019
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 212 consumer complaints on 1 September 2019 relating to telecommunications services, this represented a decline from the 380 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 36 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 212
- States & territories reporting
- 36
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (74)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (29)
Where the complaints came from
The 212 complaints recorded on 1 September 2019 were submitted from 166 cities across 36 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. A similar pattern is observed at the city level, with complaints spread across locations rather than concentrated in a single area.
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 | 29 | 13.7% |
| Texas | 21 | 9.9% |
| Florida | 16 | 7.5% |
| Kentucky | 15 | 7.1% |
| New York | 13 | 6.1% |
| Illinois | 10 | 4.7% |
| North Carolina | 10 | 4.7% |
| New Jersey | 10 | 4.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 8 | 3.8% |
| Massachusetts | 7 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 73 | 34.4% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 23 different cities.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 110 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 110 | 51.9% |
| TV | 57 | 26.9% |
| Internet | 36 | 17.0% |
| Radio | 4 | 1.9% |
| Emergency | 3 | 1.4% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.9% |
Phone complaints
110 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 51.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 74 | 67.3% |
| Billing | 21 | 19.1% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 4 | 3.6% |
| Equipment | 4 | 3.6% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 4 | 3.6% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 3 | 2.7% |
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
57 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 26.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 19 | 33.3% |
| Billing | 16 | 28.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 12 | 21.1% |
| Indecency | 9 | 15.8% |
| Interference | 1 | 1.8% |
Availability and Billing accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
Internet complaints
36 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 16 | 44.4% |
| Billing | 10 | 27.8% |
| Speed | 4 | 11.1% |
| Equipment | 2 | 5.6% |
| Interference | 2 | 5.6% |
| Privacy | 2 | 5.6% |
Availability and Billing accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
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.