FCC Consumer Complaints – 8 January 2020

Introduction

On 8 January 2020, 922 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, complaint volume increased from 859 complaints the previous day. Complaints were reported across 48 states and territories, with Texas slightly ahead of the other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 551 complaints.

Key statistics

Total complaints
922
States & territories reporting
48
Most common issue
Unwanted Calls (551)
Most reported state/territory
Texas (96)

Where the complaints came from

The 922 complaints recorded on 8 January 2020 originated from 599 cities across 48 states and territories. Complaints were relatively evenly spread across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Iowa, where Iowa City accounted for 24 of the 30 complaints recorded in the state.

The table below summarises the number of complaints reported in each state and territory on this date, ordered by total reports.

State/Territory Complaints
Texas 96 10.4%
California 86 9.3%
New York 72 7.8%
Florida 62 6.7%
Ohio 48 5.2%
Pennsylvania 42 4.6%
Illinois 32 3.5%
Iowa 30 3.3%
Michigan 28 3.0%
North Carolina 28 3.0%
Other states and territories 387 42.0%

Location highlight

Complaints in Iowa were heavily concentrated in Iowa City, which accounted for the majority of reports within the state.

What the complaints were about

The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 6 complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 716 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.

Complaint category Complaints Share
Phone 716 77.7%
Internet 97 10.5%
TV 93 10.1%
Radio 11 1.2%
Accessibility 3 0.3%
Emergency 2 0.2%

Phone complaints

716 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 77.7% of the total.

Issue Complaints Share
Unwanted Calls 551 77.0%
Billing 66 9.2%
Equipment 27 3.8%
Availability (including rural call completion) 21 2.9%
Junk Faxes 21 2.9%
Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) 12 1.7%
Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) 6 0.8%
Interference (including signal jammers) 5 0.7%
Privacy 5 0.7%
Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) 2 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. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion).

Internet complaints

97 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.5% of the total.

Issue Complaints Share
Billing 44 45.4%
Availability 32 33.0%
Speed 8 8.2%
Interference 6 6.2%
Privacy 4 4.1%
Equipment 3 3.1%

Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.

TV complaints

93 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 10.1% of the total.

Issue Complaints Share
Billing 53 57.0%
Availability 23 24.7%
Equipment 5 5.4%
Indecency 5 5.4%
Loud Commercials 5 5.4%
Interference 1 1.1%
Privacy 1 1.1%

Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.

Page last updated: 9 January 2020 with FCC complaints data from 8 January 2020.

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.