FCC Consumer Complaints – 15 November 2020
Introduction
On 15 November 2020, 364 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this was higher than the 334 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 43 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Unwanted Calls was the most frequently reported issue, with 166 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 364
- States & territories reporting
- 43
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (166)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (38)
Where the complaints came from
On 15 November 2020, the 364 complaints recorded by the Federal Communications Commission were reported from 259 cities across 43 states and territories. Overall, complaint activity was broadly distributed, with no single state or territory representing a significant proportion of the total. 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 | 38 | 10.4% |
| Maryland | 24 | 6.6% |
| Texas | 21 | 5.8% |
| New York | 20 | 5.5% |
| Florida | 16 | 4.4% |
| Georgia | 15 | 4.1% |
| Illinois | 15 | 4.1% |
| Massachusetts | 15 | 4.1% |
| Washington | 15 | 4.1% |
| Kentucky | 12 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 173 | 47.5% |
Location highlight
Complaints in California were reported across 24 cities, the widest spread observed on this date.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date were spread across 5 complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 210 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 210 | 57.7% |
| TV | 83 | 22.8% |
| Internet | 65 | 17.9% |
| Radio | 4 | 1.1% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.5% |
Phone complaints
210 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 57.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 166 | 79.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 11 | 5.2% |
| Billing | 11 | 5.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 6 | 2.9% |
| Equipment | 5 | 2.4% |
| Privacy | 5 | 2.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 4 | 1.9% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 2 | 1.0% |
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. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Availability (including rural call completion), Billing and Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers).
TV complaints
83 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 22.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indecency | 23 | 27.7% |
| Availability | 21 | 25.3% |
| Loud Commercials | 17 | 20.5% |
| Billing | 14 | 16.9% |
| Interference | 5 | 6.0% |
| Equipment | 3 | 3.6% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Indecency, Availability and Loud Commercials.
Internet complaints
65 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 17.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 22 | 33.8% |
| Billing | 19 | 29.2% |
| Speed | 12 | 18.5% |
| Interference | 5 | 7.7% |
| Privacy | 4 | 6.2% |
| Equipment | 3 | 4.6% |
Availability and Billing 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.