FCC Consumer Complaints – 7 December 2021
Introduction
A total of 865 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded by the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, 7 December 2021, this represented an increase from the 768 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 52 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. The largest number of complaints related to Unwanted Calls, with 467 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 865
- States & territories reporting
- 52
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (467)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (80)
Where the complaints came from
The 865 complaints recorded on 7 December 2021 were submitted from 569 cities across 52 states and territories. The complaints were widely dispersed, with no single state or territory representing a notable proportion of the total. At the city level, a significant concentration was observed in Kentucky, where Louisville accounted for 27 of the 38 complaints recorded.
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 | 80 | 9.2% |
| Texas | 71 | 8.2% |
| Florida | 56 | 6.5% |
| New York | 48 | 5.5% |
| Maryland | 45 | 5.2% |
| North Carolina | 45 | 5.2% |
| Kentucky | 38 | 4.4% |
| Georgia | 35 | 4.0% |
| Massachusetts | 30 | 3.5% |
| New Jersey | 30 | 3.5% |
| Other states and territories | 386 | 44.6% |
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
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 666 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 666 | 77.0% |
| Internet | 132 | 15.3% |
| TV | 53 | 6.1% |
| Radio | 11 | 1.3% |
| Accessibility | 2 | 0.2% |
| Emergency | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
666 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 77.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 467 | 70.1% |
| Billing | 72 | 10.8% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 52 | 7.8% |
| Equipment | 30 | 4.5% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 9 | 1.4% |
| Privacy | 9 | 1.4% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 8 | 1.2% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 1.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 7 | 1.1% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 3 | 0.5% |
| Rural Call Completion | 2 | 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. 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
132 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 15.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 47 | 35.6% |
| Availability | 46 | 34.8% |
| Speed | 23 | 17.4% |
| Privacy | 7 | 5.3% |
| Interference | 6 | 4.5% |
| Equipment | 3 | 2.3% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
53 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 6.1% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 17 | 32.1% |
| Billing | 17 | 32.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 10 | 18.9% |
| Indecency | 7 | 13.2% |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.9% |
Availability and Billing 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.