FCC Consumer Complaints – 4 October 2023
Introduction
On Wednesday, 4 October 2023, 835 consumer complaints relating to telecommunications services were recorded in the Federal Communications Commission system, complaint volume increased from 805 complaints the day before. Reports were received from 49 states and territories, with California recording slightly more complaints than other locations. Complaints relating to Unwanted Calls were marginally higher than for other issue types.
Key statistics
- Total complaints
- 835
- States & territories reporting
- 49
- Most common issue
- Unwanted Calls (316)
- Most reported state/territory
- California (92)
Where the complaints came from
The 835 complaints recorded on 4 October 2023 originated from 590 cities across 49 states and territories. Complaints were distributed across states and territories in a broadly even manner, with no individual location standing out significantly. At the city level, complaints were similarly dispersed, with no single location accounting for a notable share of the total.
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 | 92 | 11.0% |
| Florida | 73 | 8.7% |
| Texas | 67 | 8.0% |
| New York | 61 | 7.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 37 | 4.4% |
| Illinois | 30 | 3.6% |
| New Jersey | 29 | 3.5% |
| Georgia | 27 | 3.2% |
| Ohio | 26 | 3.1% |
| North Carolina | 25 | 3.0% |
| Other states and territories | 368 | 44.1% |
Location highlight
California had the widest distribution of complaints, with reports originating from 65 different cities.
What the complaints were about
A total of 7 complaint categories were represented in the complaints recorded on this date. The largest number of complaints fell within Phone, which accounted for 587 reports. Complaint activity was strongly concentrated in this category, with other categories contributing comparatively fewer reports.
| Complaint category | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 587 | 70.3% |
| Internet | 180 | 21.6% |
| TV | 42 | 5.0% |
| Radio | 18 | 2.2% |
| Accessibility | 4 | 0.5% |
| Emergency | 3 | 0.4% |
| Request for Dispute Assistance | 1 | 0.1% |
Phone complaints
587 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 70.3% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unwanted Calls | 316 | 53.8% |
| Billing | 80 | 13.6% |
| Availability (including rural call completion) | 64 | 10.9% |
| Equipment | 42 | 7.2% |
| Number Portability (keeping your number if you change providers) | 24 | 4.1% |
| Junk Faxes | 15 | 2.6% |
| Interference (including signal jammers) | 13 | 2.2% |
| Privacy | 9 | 1.5% |
| Cramming (unauthorized charges on your phone bill) | 5 | 0.9% |
| Slamming (change of your carrier without permission) | 1 | 0.2% |
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
180 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 21.6% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 74 | 41.1% |
| Availability | 60 | 33.3% |
| Interference | 15 | 8.3% |
| Speed | 13 | 7.2% |
| Privacy | 10 | 5.6% |
| Equipment | 8 | 4.4% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
TV complaints
42 complaints were recorded in this category, representing 5.0% of the total.
| Issue | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | 16 | 38.1% |
| Availability | 10 | 23.8% |
| Indecency | 6 | 14.3% |
| Equipment | 3 | 7.1% |
| Interference | 2 | 4.8% |
| Loud Commercials | 2 | 4.8% |
| Privacy | 1 | 2.4% |
The largest share of complaints in this category related to Billing and Availability, with fewer reports falling into other issue types.
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.