FCC Consumer Complaints – 24 March 2020
Introduction
On Tuesday, 24 March 2020, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 561 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this was higher than the 457 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 49 states and territories, with no single location clearly ahead of the others. Complaints were most commonly associated with Unwanted Calls, accounting for 256 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 561
- States & territories reporting
- 49
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (256)
Where the complaints came from
On 24 March 2020, the 561 complaints recorded by the Federal Communications Commission were reported from 413 cities across 49 states and territories. Complaints were spread broadly across states and territories, with no individual location contributing a significant share. This pattern continues at the city level, where complaints were distributed across multiple locations without a single city standing out.
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 | 52 | 9.3% |
| Florida | 52 | 9.3% |
| Texas | 48 | 8.6% |
| Colorado | 29 | 5.2% |
| New York | 26 | 4.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 26 | 4.6% |
| Illinois | 22 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 22 | 3.9% |
| Arizona | 20 | 3.6% |
| North Carolina | 20 | 3.6% |
| Other states and territories | 234 | 41.7% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 7 different complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 354 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 354 | 63.1% |
| Internet | 120 | 21.4% |
| TV | 68 | 12.1% |
| Radio | 11 | 2.0% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 0.7% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.4% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 2 | 0.4% |
Phone complaints
354 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 63.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 256 | 72.3% |
| Billing | 35 | 9.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 22 | 6.2% |
| Equipment | 15 | 4.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 9 | 2.5% |
| Junk Faxes | 7 | 2.0% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 6 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 4 | 1.1% |
Unwanted calls again accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category. These reports are examined in more detail in the section below. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
120 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 21.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 62 | 51.7% |
| Billing | 34 | 28.3% |
| Speed | 16 | 13.3% |
| Equipment | 5 | 4.2% |
| Privacy | 2 | 1.7% |
| Interference | 1 | 0.8% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Availability and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
68 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 36 | 52.9% |
| Availability | 17 | 25.0% |
| Indecency | 9 | 13.2% |
| Loud Commercials | 4 | 5.9% |
| Equipment | 2 | 2.9% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
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.