FCC Consumer Complaints – 1 March 2021
Introduction
A total of 1113 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on 1 March 2021, this represented an increase from the 361 complaints recorded the previous day. The complaints came from 51 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 655 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1113
- States & territories reporting
- 51
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (655)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (128)
Where the complaints came from
A total of 1113 complaints were recorded on 1 March 2021, with reports originating from 698 cities in 51 states and territories. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Virginia, where Bristow accounted for 64 of the 100 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 128 | 11.5% |
| Virginia | 100 | 9.0% |
| Texas | 97 | 8.7% |
| Florida | 68 | 6.1% |
| New York | 63 | 5.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 44 | 4.0% |
| Illinois | 40 | 3.6% |
| New Jersey | 40 | 3.6% |
| Michigan | 37 | 3.3% |
| Ohio | 35 | 3.1% |
| Other states and territories | 456 | 41.0% |
Location highlight
Bristow accounted for the majority of complaints recorded in Virginia.
What the complaints were about
A total of 6 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 829 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 829 | 74.5% |
| Internet | 165 | 14.8% |
| TV | 98 | 8.8% |
| Radio | 14 | 1.3% |
| Accessibility | 6 | 0.5% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
829 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 74.5% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 655 | 79.0% |
| Billing | 64 | 7.7% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 39 | 4.7% |
| Equipment | 27 | 3.3% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 14 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 11 | 1.3% |
| Junk Faxes | 8 | 1.0% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 6 | 0.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 4 | 0.5% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.1% |
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. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
165 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 14.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 56 | 33.9% |
| Billing | 55 | 33.3% |
| Speed | 20 | 12.1% |
| Interference | 18 | 10.9% |
| Equipment | 9 | 5.5% |
| Privacy | 7 | 4.2% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Availability and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
98 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 47 | 48.0% |
| Availability | 20 | 20.4% |
| Loud Commercials | 19 | 19.4% |
| Indecency | 9 | 9.2% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.0% |
| Interference | 1 | 1.0% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.0% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
Unwanted calls
655 complaints relating to unwanted calls were recorded on this date, accounting for 58.8% of all complaints. Reports referenced both caller ID numbers and business contact numbers, with number tables shown where meaningful patterns are present.
Most reported caller ID numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (973) 657-5158 | 13 | 2.0% |
| (585) 326-4392 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (619) 866-0622 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (800) 700-6000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (814) 208-7892 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (877) 346-4670 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (201) 771-9034 | 1 | 0.2% |
| (202) 217-9723 | 1 | 0.2% |
| (202) 563-2523 | 1 | 0.2% |
| (202) 893-9133 | 1 | 0.2% |
Most reported business contact numbers
| Telephone number | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| (973) 657-5158 | 13 | 2.0% |
| (833) 304-1447 | 6 | 0.9% |
| (315) 232-8257 | 4 | 0.6% |
| (206) 536-2795 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (209) 705-6716 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (510) 761-0334 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (619) 866-0622 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (800) 700-6000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (912) 438-8477 | 2 | 0.3% |
| (973) 821-8895 | 2 | 0.3% |
Key patterns
- Prerecorded Voice was reported slightly more often than other call types.
- (973) 657-5158 stood out as the most frequently reported business contact number.
- (973) 657-5158 stood out as the most frequently reported caller ID number.
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.