FCC Consumer Complaints – 3 January 2021
Introduction
On Sunday, 3 January 2021, 314 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented an increase from the 287 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 45 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 314
- States & territories reporting
- 45
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (111)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (31)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 314 complaints were recorded on 3 January 2021, with reports originating from 235 cities in 45 states and territories. The complaints were widely dispersed, with no single state or territory representing a notable 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 | 31 | 9.9% |
| New York | 27 | 8.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 25 | 8.0% |
| Florida | 23 | 7.3% |
| Texas | 20 | 6.4% |
| Virginia | 14 | 4.5% |
| Wisconsin | 12 | 3.8% |
| Missouri | 11 | 3.5% |
| Colorado | 9 | 2.9% |
| Washington | 9 | 2.9% |
| Other states and territories | 133 | 42.4% |
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 7 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 167 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 167 | 53.2% |
| Internet | 88 | 28.0% |
| TV | 47 | 15.0% |
| Radio | 7 | 2.2% |
| Accessibility | 3 | 1.0% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.3% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
167 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 53.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 111 | 66.5% |
| Billing | 20 | 12.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 11 | 6.6% |
| Equipment | 8 | 4.8% |
| Privacy | 8 | 4.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 5 | 3.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 1.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 1 | 0.6% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment among the most common.
Internet complaints
88 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 28.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 25 | 28.4% |
| Interference | 21 | 23.9% |
| Availability | 18 | 20.5% |
| Speed | 18 | 20.5% |
| Privacy | 5 | 5.7% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.1% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Billing, Interference and Availability among the most common.
TV complaints
47 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Loud Commercials | 15 | 31.9% |
| Billing | 14 | 29.8% |
| Availability | 11 | 23.4% |
| Indecency | 5 | 10.6% |
| Equipment | 1 | 2.1% |
| Interference | 1 | 2.1% |
Loud Commercials and Billing were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Unwanted calls
111 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, accounting for 35.4% of all complaints. Reports referenced both caller ID numbers and business contact numbers, with number tables shown where meaningful patterns are present.
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (999) 999-9999 | 5 | 4.5% |
| (201) 577-3533 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (210) 289-4961 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (214) 202-4104 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (217) 751-9021 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (220) 270-6560 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (225) 726-1026 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (276) 242-5375 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (284) 442-5840 | 1 | 0.9% |
| (315) 232-8257 | 1 | 0.9% |
Key patterns
- Text Message was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (999) 999-9999 stood out as the most frequently reported business contact number.
- Reports were spread across many different caller ID numbers, with no single number dominating.
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.