FCC Consumer Complaints – 21 February 2021
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 386 consumer complaints on 21 February 2021 relating to telecommunications services, this represented a decline from the 521 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 43 states and territories, with Virginia slightly ahead of the other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 209 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 386
- States & territories reporting
- 43
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (209)
- Most reported state/territory
- Virginia (58)
Where the complaints came from
Across 252 cities in 43 states and territories, a total of 386 complaints were recorded on 21 February 2021. Activity was spread across states and territories, with no single location accounting for a substantial share of complaints. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Virginia, where Bristow accounted for 55 of the 58 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 58 | 15.0% |
| Texas | 36 | 9.3% |
| California | 31 | 8.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 23 | 6.0% |
| Florida | 21 | 5.4% |
| Indiana | 17 | 4.4% |
| Kentucky | 16 | 4.1% |
| Georgia | 15 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 15 | 3.9% |
| Missouri | 13 | 3.4% |
| Other states and territories | 141 | 36.5% |
Location highlight
Complaint activity in Virginia was almost entirely concentrated in Bristow.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 5 different complaint categories. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 262 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 262 | 67.9% |
| Internet | 63 | 16.3% |
| TV | 51 | 13.2% |
| Radio | 9 | 2.3% |
| Accessibility | 1 | 0.3% |
Phone complaints
262 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 67.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 209 | 79.8% |
| Billing | 19 | 7.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 13 | 5.0% |
| Equipment | 12 | 4.6% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 1.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 3 | 1.1% |
| Privacy | 2 | 0.8% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 1 | 0.4% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
63 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 16.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 26 | 41.3% |
| Speed | 15 | 23.8% |
| Billing | 13 | 20.6% |
| Interference | 5 | 7.9% |
| Privacy | 3 | 4.8% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.6% |
Availability and Speed were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
51 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 13.2% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 14 | 27.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 14 | 27.5% |
| Availability | 12 | 23.5% |
| Indecency | 6 | 11.8% |
| Interference | 2 | 3.9% |
| Privacy | 2 | 3.9% |
| Equipment | 1 | 2.0% |
The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Loud Commercials and Availability.
Unwanted calls
209 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, accounting for 54.1% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| (315) 232-8257 | 14 | 6.7% |
| (999) 999-9999 | 3 | 1.4% |
| (201) 907-1522 | 2 | 1.0% |
| (346) 306-5894 | 2 | 1.0% |
| (201) 588-3044 | 1 | 0.5% |
| (215) 344-3794 | 1 | 0.5% |
| (262) 254-5420 | 1 | 0.5% |
| (318) 608-2378 | 1 | 0.5% |
| (319) 723-5663 | 1 | 0.5% |
| (321) 951-6771 | 1 | 0.5% |
Key patterns
- Text Message was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (315) 232-8257 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.