FCC Consumer Complaints – 5 September 2023
Introduction
The Federal Communications Commission recorded 825 consumer complaints on Tuesday, 5 September 2023 relating to telecommunications services, this was higher than the 404 complaints recorded the day before. Complaints were reported across 50 states and territories, with California slightly ahead of the other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 825
- States & territories reporting
- 50
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (271)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (100)
Where the complaints came from
The 825 complaints recorded on 5 September 2023 were submitted from 573 cities across 50 states and territories. Complaint activity was fairly evenly distributed, with no single state or territory accounting for a large share of reports. A similar pattern is observed at the city level, with complaints spread across locations rather than concentrated in a single area.
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 | 100 | 12.1% |
| Florida | 76 | 9.2% |
| New York | 68 | 8.2% |
| Texas | 48 | 5.8% |
| Ohio | 33 | 4.0% |
| Illinois | 32 | 3.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 32 | 3.9% |
| Alabama | 31 | 3.8% |
| North Carolina | 29 | 3.5% |
| Washington | 27 | 3.3% |
| Other states and territories | 349 | 42.3% |
What the complaints were about
Complaints recorded on this date related to 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 509 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 509 | 61.7% |
| Internet | 204 | 24.7% |
| TV | 96 | 11.6% |
| Radio | 11 | 1.3% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 0.5% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
509 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 61.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 271 | 53.2% |
| Billing | 78 | 15.3% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 61 | 12.0% |
| Equipment | 39 | 7.7% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 20 | 3.9% |
| Junk Faxes | 11 | 2.2% |
| Privacy | 11 | 2.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 10 | 2.0% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 7 | 1.4% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.2% |
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. 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
204 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 24.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 85 | 41.7% |
| Availability | 72 | 35.3% |
| Interference | 13 | 6.4% |
| Equipment | 12 | 5.9% |
| Privacy | 11 | 5.4% |
| Speed | 11 | 5.4% |
Billing and Availability accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
TV complaints
96 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 11.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 47 | 49.0% |
| Billing | 36 | 37.5% |
| Loud Commercials | 5 | 5.2% |
| Interference | 3 | 3.1% |
| Equipment | 2 | 2.1% |
| Indecency | 2 | 2.1% |
| Privacy | 1 | 1.0% |
Availability and Billing accounted for the majority of complaints in this category, with other issues reported less frequently.
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.