FCC Consumer Complaints – 11 May 2020
Introduction
A total of 718 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on Monday, 11 May 2020, this represented an increase from the 209 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 51 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 364 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 718
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (364)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (74)
Where the complaints came from
Across 542 cities in 51 states and territories, a total of 718 complaints were recorded on 11 May 2020. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 74 | 10.3% |
| Florida | 66 | 9.2% |
| Texas | 64 | 8.9% |
| Illinois | 42 | 5.8% |
| New York | 41 | 5.7% |
| Maryland | 30 | 4.2% |
| Georgia | 29 | 4.0% |
| Michigan | 28 | 3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 27 | 3.8% |
| North Carolina | 26 | 3.6% |
| Other states and territories | 287 | 40.0% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 489 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 489 | 68.1% |
| Internet | 131 | 18.2% |
| TV | 85 | 11.8% |
| Radio | 10 | 1.4% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.3% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
489 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 68.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 364 | 74.4% |
| Billing | 45 | 9.2% |
| Equipment | 26 | 5.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 16 | 3.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 14 | 2.9% |
| Junk Faxes | 9 | 1.8% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 7 | 1.4% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 4 | 0.8% |
| Privacy | 3 | 0.6% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.2% |
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. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Equipment and Availability (including rural call completion) among the most common.
Internet complaints
131 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 51 | 38.9% |
| Availability | 45 | 34.4% |
| Speed | 17 | 13.0% |
| Equipment | 9 | 6.9% |
| Interference | 5 | 3.8% |
| Privacy | 4 | 3.1% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
85 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 37 | 43.5% |
| Availability | 21 | 24.7% |
| Indecency | 14 | 16.5% |
| Equipment | 6 | 7.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 3 | 3.5% |
| Interference | 2 | 2.4% |
| Privacy | 2 | 2.4% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
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.