FCC Consumer Complaints – 5 March 2021
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 1146 consumer complaints on 5 March 2021 relating to telecommunications services, this was higher than the 1112 complaints recorded the previous day. Complaints were reported across 53 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 725 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 1146
- States & territories reporting
- 53
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (725)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (125)
Where the complaints came from
Across 710 cities in 53 states and territories, a total of 1146 complaints were recorded on 5 March 2021. Complaint reports were spread across multiple states and territories, without any one location accounting for a large share. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Arkansas, where Blytheville accounted for 27 of the 34 complaints recorded in the state.
The distribution of complaints by state and territory is shown below, with locations ranked by the number of reports recorded.
| State/Territory | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| California | 125 | 10.9% |
| Florida | 110 | 9.6% |
| Texas | 86 | 7.5% |
| New York | 51 | 4.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 51 | 4.5% |
| Colorado | 46 | 4.0% |
| Ohio | 41 | 3.6% |
| Georgia | 37 | 3.2% |
| Michigan | 35 | 3.1% |
| Arkansas | 34 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 526 | 45.9% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Arkansas originated from Blytheville, which accounted for most reports within the state.
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 893 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 893 | 77.9% |
| Internet | 137 | 12.0% |
| TV | 93 | 8.1% |
| Radio | 19 | 1.7% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.2% |
Phone complaints
893 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 77.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 725 | 81.2% |
| Billing | 53 | 5.9% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 47 | 5.3% |
| Equipment | 28 | 3.1% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 15 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 11 | 1.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 0.8% |
| Junk Faxes | 4 | 0.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 0.3% |
Unwanted calls again accounted for the largest share of complaints in this category. These reports are examined in more detail in the section below. Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
137 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 12.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 43 | 31.4% |
| Availability | 37 | 27.0% |
| Billing | 33 | 24.1% |
| Interference | 15 | 10.9% |
| Equipment | 5 | 3.6% |
| Privacy | 4 | 2.9% |
Complaints in this category covered a range of issues, including Speed, Availability and Billing.
TV complaints
93 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 8.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 44 | 47.3% |
| Indecency | 14 | 15.1% |
| Availability | 13 | 14.0% |
| Loud Commercials | 13 | 14.0% |
| Interference | 6 | 6.5% |
| Equipment | 3 | 3.2% |
Billing and Indecency 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.