FCC Consumer Complaints – 5 December 2021
Introduction
On Sunday, 5 December 2021, 286 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, this represented a decline from the 377 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 42 states and territories, with no single location clearly ahead of the others. Unwanted Calls was the most frequently reported issue, with 105 complaints recorded.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 286
- States & territories reporting
- 42
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (105)
Where the complaints came from
Reports recorded on 5 December 2021 show 286 complaints originating from 205 cities across 42 states and territories. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. A notable concentration at the city level was observed in Kentucky, where Louisville accounted for 26 of the 32 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 | 32 | 11.2% |
| Kentucky | 32 | 11.2% |
| Texas | 23 | 8.0% |
| Virginia | 19 | 6.6% |
| Florida | 17 | 5.9% |
| New York | 15 | 5.2% |
| Ohio | 14 | 4.9% |
| North Carolina | 13 | 4.5% |
| New Jersey | 10 | 3.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 8 | 2.8% |
| Other states and territories | 103 | 36.0% |
Location highlight
A large share of complaints in Kentucky originated from Louisville, which accounted for most reports within the state.
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 174 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 174 | 60.8% |
| Internet | 54 | 18.9% |
| TV | 44 | 15.4% |
| Radio | 8 | 2.8% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 1.4% |
| Emergency | 2 | 0.7% |
Phone complaints
174 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 60.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 105 | 60.3% |
| Billing | 22 | 12.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 17 | 9.8% |
| Equipment | 10 | 5.7% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 8 | 4.6% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 3 | 1.7% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 3 | 1.7% |
| Junk Faxes | 3 | 1.7% |
| Privacy | 3 | 1.7% |
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
54 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 18 | 33.3% |
| Billing | 18 | 33.3% |
| Speed | 10 | 18.5% |
| Equipment | 3 | 5.6% |
| Interference | 3 | 5.6% |
| Privacy | 2 | 3.7% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Availability and Billing, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
44 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.4% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Loud Commercials | 11 | 25.0% |
| Availability | 10 | 22.7% |
| Billing | 9 | 20.5% |
| Indecency | 7 | 15.9% |
| Equipment | 4 | 9.1% |
| Interference | 1 | 2.3% |
A broad mix of issues was reported in this category, with Loud Commercials, Availability and Billing among the most 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.