FCC Consumer Complaints – 28 September 2023
Introduction
On 28 September 2023, the Federal Communications Commission recorded 865 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services, this represented a decline from the 903 complaints recorded the day before. The complaints came from 48 states and territories, with California reporting a modestly higher count than the other locations. The most common issue reported was Unwanted Calls, accounting for 392 complaints.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 865
- States & territories reporting
- 48
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (392)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (105)
Where the complaints came from
Across 610 cities in 48 states and territories, a total of 865 complaints were recorded on 28 September 2023. The distribution of complaints was relatively even, with no single state or territory contributing a dominant share. This pattern continues at the city level, where complaints were distributed across multiple locations without a single city standing out.
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 | 105 | 12.1% |
| Florida | 74 | 8.6% |
| Texas | 67 | 7.7% |
| New York | 59 | 6.8% |
| North Carolina | 55 | 6.4% |
| Georgia | 34 | 3.9% |
| Ohio | 32 | 3.7% |
| Massachusetts | 29 | 3.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 27 | 3.1% |
| Virginia | 26 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 357 | 41.3% |
Location highlight
Complaints in California were reported across 64 cities, the widest spread observed on this date.
What the complaints were about
The complaints recorded on this date fell into 6 different complaint categories. Phone accounted for the largest share, with 630 complaints. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 630 | 72.8% |
| Internet | 156 | 18.0% |
| TV | 42 | 4.9% |
| Radio | 32 | 3.7% |
| Emergency | 4 | 0.5% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
630 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 72.8% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 392 | 62.2% |
| Billing | 63 | 10.0% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 57 | 9.0% |
| Equipment | 49 | 7.8% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 20 | 3.2% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 14 | 2.2% |
| Junk Faxes | 12 | 1.9% |
| Privacy | 11 | 1.7% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 8 | 1.3% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 2 | 0.3% |
As is often the case in this category, unwanted calls were the most frequently reported issue. Further analysis of these complaints is provided below. The remaining complaints in this category were spread across several issues, including Billing, Availability (including rural call completion) and Equipment.
Internet complaints
156 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 18.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 67 | 42.9% |
| Availability | 57 | 36.5% |
| Interference | 11 | 7.1% |
| Privacy | 10 | 6.4% |
| Equipment | 6 | 3.8% |
| Speed | 5 | 3.2% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
TV complaints
42 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 4.9% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 18 | 42.9% |
| Availability | 10 | 23.8% |
| Indecency | 6 | 14.3% |
| Equipment | 3 | 7.1% |
| Loud Commercials | 3 | 7.1% |
| Interference | 2 | 4.8% |
Billing and Availability were the main issues reported in this category, while other issues were less common.
Radio complaints
32 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 3.7% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interference | 18 | 56.3% |
| Indecency | 5 | 15.6% |
| Pirate Radio | 5 | 15.6% |
| Commercials/Promotions | 2 | 6.3% |
| Availability | 1 | 3.1% |
| Equipment | 1 | 3.1% |
Interference 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.