FCC Consumer Complaints – 15 October 2019
Introduction
On 15 October 2019, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 1157 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this represented an increase from the 806 complaints recorded the day before. Reports were received from 50 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 682 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1157
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (682)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (126)
Where the complaints came from
Across 779 cities in 50 states and territories, a total of 1157 complaints were recorded on 15 October 2019. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. 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 | 126 | 10.9% |
| Florida | 89 | 7.7% |
| Texas | 73 | 6.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 67 | 5.8% |
| Illinois | 49 | 4.2% |
| New York | 48 | 4.1% |
| Ohio | 44 | 3.8% |
| North Carolina | 43 | 3.7% |
| Washington | 37 | 3.2% |
| Georgia | 36 | 3.1% |
| Other states and territories | 542 | 46.8% |
Location highlight
Complaints in California were reported across 81 cities, the widest spread observed on this date.
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone was the most reported category, with 869 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 869 | 75.1% |
| TV | 158 | 13.7% |
| Internet | 114 | 9.9% |
| Radio | 11 | 1.0% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 0.3% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
869 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 75.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 682 | 78.5% |
| Billing | 60 | 6.9% |
| Equipment | 35 | 4.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 29 | 3.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 23 | 2.6% |
| Privacy | 12 | 1.4% |
| Junk Faxes | 11 | 1.3% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 9 | 1.0% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 0.8% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.1% |
Unwanted calls again accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category. These reports are examined in more detail in the section below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion).
TV complaints
158 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 74 | 46.8% |
| Availability | 48 | 30.4% |
| Indecency | 15 | 9.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 13 | 8.2% |
| Equipment | 5 | 3.2% |
| Interference | 2 | 1.3% |
| Privacy | 1 | 0.6% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Internet complaints
114 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 9.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 46 | 40.4% |
| Availability | 41 | 36.0% |
| Privacy | 14 | 12.3% |
| Interference | 7 | 6.1% |
| Speed | 4 | 3.5% |
| Equipment | 2 | 1.8% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Unwanted calls
A total of 682 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, representing 58.9% of all complaints. Caller ID and business contact numbers are shown below where sufficient data is available.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (815) 264-2311 | 8 | 1.2% |
| (800) 275-2273 | 4 | 0.6% |
| (206) 567-5441 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (740) 218-1795 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (360) 395-2067 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (614) 754-4138 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (803) 373-1888 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (202) 480-5152 | 1 | 0.1% |
| (202) 892-1144 | 1 | 0.1% |
| (203) 228-1087 | 1 | 0.1% |
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (888) 636-3834 | 10 | 1.5% |
| (206) 567-5441 | 3 | 0.4% |
| (262) 423-4560 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (360) 395-2067 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (800) 275-2273 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (800) 692-7753 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (803) 373-1888 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (817) 789-4940 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (866) 366-2616 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (202) 431-6285 | 1 | 0.1% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (888) 636-3834 stood out as the most frequently reported business contact number.
- (815) 264-2311 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.