How do I file a complaint with the FCC?

Asked by: Prof. Hanna Hessel  |  Last update: March 19, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (71 votes)

To file a complaint with the FCC, go to fcc.gov/complaints, choose your issue (phone, internet, TV, radio, etc.), fill out the online form with specific details about the problem and company, and submit; online filing is fastest, but you can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). The FCC will forward your complaint to the provider, who then has 30 days to respond to you directly, copying the FCC.

What are three of the six types of complaints you can make to the FCC?

The types of complaints you can file with the FCC include:

  • Access and billing concerns.
  • Issues with service speeds.
  • Number porting.
  • Equipment.
  • Unwanted calls and texts.

Does the FCC take complaints seriously?

Yes, FCC complaints are generally taken seriously by both the FCC and the companies involved, as they can trigger investigations, lead to enforcement actions, and often prompt providers to resolve issues quickly to avoid penalties or negative attention. While the FCC can't resolve every individual dispute, they use complaint data for systemic oversight, and companies often have executive teams dedicated to handling these formal complaints, sometimes leading to rapid solutions for consumers. 

What types of violations to the FCC handle?

The FCC doesn't publish one single "violations list," but rather details various enforcement actions for issues like unlicensed radio/pirate broadcasting, interference, technical rule breaches, unwanted calls/texts, obscenity/indecency on broadcast media, and cable signal leakage. You can find recent orders, consent decrees, and summaries on the FCC Enforcement Actions page and Technical Rule Violations page. 

What does filing a complaint with the FCC do?

These complaints help inform FCC enforcement and policy work and may be shared with other Bureaus and Offices internally. In some instances, we will provide you with a referral to another federal, state or local agency that can better address your complaint.

How to File a Complaint with the Federal Communications Commission

22 related questions found

What are the four types of complaints?

There are different ways to categorize complaints, but a common framework divides them into Productive (solution-focused), Venting (stress release), Chronic (habitual negativity), and Malicious (intentionally harmful). Alternatively, common customer complaint areas are Product/Service Quality, Customer Service, Billing/Pricing, and Delivery Issues, while employee complaints often center on pay, hostile environments, harassment, or discrimination, notes PaysmartSC and Zendesk. 

What are the grounds for filing a complaint?

Common Grounds for Filing a Consumer Complaint

  • Defective or Faulty Products.
  • Deficiency in Services.
  • Overcharging or Deceptive Pricing.
  • False or Misleading Advertisements.
  • Unfair Trade Practices.
  • Hazardous Goods or Services that Harm Health or Safety.

What are the three types of complaints?

Fiona Clark

  • Chronic complaining – how many people do we know that never seen to have anything good to say. All they do is complain about everything. ...
  • Venting – Expressing emotional dissatisfaction. ...
  • Instrumental Complaints – the most positive form of complaining as this type is focusing on getting positive results.

Is it worth filing a complaint with the FTC?

Yes, filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is generally worth it because while they don't resolve individual cases, your report helps them spot trends, build cases against scammers, and take action to stop widespread fraud, even leading to potential refunds for many, with reports available at reportfraud.ftc.gov. 

What does the FCC investigate?

The Office of Investigations (OI) investigates alleged or suspected fraud and other misconduct related to FCC operations and programs.

How do I make an official complaint?

Put it in writing

It is helpful if you can put your complaint in writing. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you could ask a friend, carer, family member or an organisation like Citizens Advice to help you. Write 'complaint' at the top of your letter or email, so there can be no doubt.

Which would the FCC most likely penalize for violating?

Among the options provided, the entity most likely to be penalized for violating FCC regulations is a TV station, as they are directly subject to FCC rules regarding broadcasting standards and content.

What are the steps of the consumer complaint process?

  1. Step 1: Collecting Necessary Documents and Evidence. ...
  2. Step 2: Intimation via Notice. ...
  3. Step 3: File a Complaint. ...
  4. Step 4: Identifying the Jurisdiction of the Forum. ...
  5. Step 5: Pay Requisite Court Fees. ...
  6. Step 6: Submit an Affidavit. ...
  7. Step 7: Submission of the Complaint. ...
  8. Step 8: Judicial Process.

What's the most common complaint?

10 Most Common Customer Complaints and How to Solve Them

  1. Long Wait Times. ...
  2. Lack of Communication or Information. ...
  3. Unclear Navigation or Service Flow. ...
  4. Not Enough Staff or Counters Open. ...
  5. Repetitive Information Requests. ...
  6. No Way to Give Feedback. ...
  7. Poor Handling of Priority Customers. ...
  8. Inconsistent Service Experiences.

How long do FCC complaints take?

The provider is required to respond in writing to the complaint within 30 days of receipt of the complaint. The provider must provide you and the FCC with a copy of the response. The provider will likely contact you to resolve your complaint.

What is the best way to make a complaint?

Use proper language.

Write out your issue with as many specifics as you have. Then, re-read it and you might even want to have someone else read it before you share it. Check it to make sure you are communicating in a proper and professional manner. Avoid absolutes like “never” and “always.” They are not accurate.

What is the number one consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission?

For the thirteenth year in a row, identity theft was the number one complaint category, underscoring consumers' continued focus on identity theft concerns.

Can I check to see if my SSN has been compromised?

To check for SSN identity theft, review your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to track earnings, and check your IRS records via IRS.gov/IdentityTheft for tax fraud, looking for unfamiliar accounts, jobs, loans, or tax filings. Report any discrepancies to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan and consider freezing your credit with the major bureaus to prevent new accounts. 

What are the most common customer complaints?

What are the most common customer complaints?

  • Long wait times to reach a customer support agent. ...
  • Customer support agents aren't knowledgeable or don't have the right context. ...
  • Customers have trouble navigating the automated system. ...
  • Agents aren't friendly or polite. ...
  • Poor problem resolution. ...
  • Difficult self-service navigation.

What is the most common type of a complaint?

The most common complaints include:

  • Costs: the costs were unclear or different from the original estimate.
  • Delay: no clear reason for the work taking longer than expected.
  • Poor information: a process wasn't well explained, or there wasn't enough information for a consumer to make an informed choice.

What are the 5 steps of the complaint process?

A key five-step complaint process involves: 1. Listen & Acknowledge (understand the issue), 2. Apologize & Empathize (show you care), 3. Investigate & Offer Solutions (find the fix), 4. Act with Urgency & Ownership (implement the solution), and 5. Follow-Up & Analyze (confirm resolution and prevent recurrence). This structure moves from understanding to resolution, focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
 

What are some examples of complaints?

Here are some examples of our complaints...

  • You are unable to get through to a company on the telephone.
  • Your phone calls are not returned by a company.
  • You have been kept waiting for an unreasonable period of time on the telephone.
  • The customer service staff are rude or unhelpful.

What are some strong words to use in a complaint?

Customers who are direct and clear in their dissatisfaction, may use phrases like:

  • 'I'm not happy'
  • 'I'm very unhappy'
  • 'I cannot accept this'
  • 'I'm really angry/annoyed'
  • 'I'm confused'
  • 'I'm tired of..'
  • 'I want to make a complaint'
  • 'I want to speak to a manager/supervisor/team leader'

What to say when filing a complaint?

Information To Include in Your Letter

  1. Give the basics.
  2. Tell your story.
  3. Explain how you want to resolve the problem.
  4. Describe your next steps.
  5. Send your complaint letter.
  6. [Your Mailing Address]
  7. [Your City, State, Zip Code]
  8. [Your email address]

What do you need to consider before making a complaint?

Evidence may need to be provided so gather up as much information as you can including receipts, pictures, witness accounts and anything else that you believe will help. Don't Wait to Complain – If you wait too long to complain then your complaint might not be valid anymore as too much time has passed.