FCC Consumer Complaints – 13 October 2019
Introduction
On 13 October 2019, 261 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, complaint volume fell from 412 complaints the day before. The complaints came from 41 states and territories, with Texas reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 122 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 261
- States & territories reporting
- 41
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (122)
- Most reported state/territory
- Texas (40)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 261 complaints were recorded on 13 October 2019, with reports originating from 201 cities in 41 states and territories. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Texas, where Austin accounted for 30 of the 40 complaints recorded in the state.
The table below shows the distribution of complaints by state and territory for this date, highlighting the locations with the highest number of reports.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 40 | 15.3% |
| Florida | 27 | 10.3% |
| California | 23 | 8.8% |
| New York | 17 | 6.5% |
| New Jersey | 15 | 5.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 11 | 4.2% |
| Georgia | 9 | 3.4% |
| Tennessee | 8 | 3.1% |
| Alabama | 7 | 2.7% |
| Illinois | 7 | 2.7% |
| Other states and territories | 97 | 37.2% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Texas originated from Austin, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 4 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 158 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 158 | 60.5% |
| TV | 57 | 21.8% |
| Internet | 44 | 16.9% |
| Radio | 2 | 0.8% |
Phone complaints
158 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 60.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 122 | 77.2% |
| Billing | 19 | 12.0% |
| Equipment | 8 | 5.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 3 | 1.9% |
| Privacy | 3 | 1.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 2 | 1.3% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 1 | 0.6% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers).
TV complaints
57 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 21.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 25 | 43.9% |
| Billing | 19 | 33.3% |
| Loud Commercials | 6 | 10.5% |
| Indecency | 3 | 5.3% |
| Equipment | 2 | 3.5% |
| Interference | 2 | 3.5% |
Availability and Billing were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Internet complaints
44 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 16.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 17 | 38.6% |
| Billing | 17 | 38.6% |
| Interference | 3 | 6.8% |
| Speed | 3 | 6.8% |
| Equipment | 2 | 4.5% |
| Privacy | 2 | 4.5% |
Availability and Billing were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Unwanted calls
122 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, accounting for 46.7% of all complaints. Reports referenced both caller ID numbers and business contact numbers, with number tables shown where meaningful patterns are present.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (800) 275-2273 | 8 | 6.6% |
| (914) 620-0965 | 2 | 1.6% |
| (212) 442-7991 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (325) 537-9850 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (330) 280-5882 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (408) 686-2855 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (412) 330-1036 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (424) 204-4290 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (510) 671-0024 | 1 | 0.8% |
| (516) 314-2588 | 1 | 0.8% |
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.
- (800) 275-2273 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.