Complaints · US · Phone, internet and cable
How to complain about a phone, internet or cable company (US)
Contact your provider first and put the complaint in writing if a call doesn't fix it. Then file a free informal complaint with the FCC online or on 1-888-225-5322. If the FCC serves your complaint on the provider, it must reply to you and the FCC in writing within 30 days. For cable rates, fees and signal problems, your local franchise authority also takes complaints.
Complaint routes and time limits checked against official sources on .
First
Complain to the provider
in writing
Wait
See below
or a final response
Then
FCC Consumer Complaint Center
free
Checked
27 Sep 2026
official sources
1. Complain to the provider first
Call or chat with the provider, then send a written complaint if that doesn't fix it. For cable, your local franchise authority (named on your bill) takes complaints about rates, fees, signal and service. Include: account number and service address; what is wrong: billing, speeds, porting, equipment or outages; dates and ticket numbers; what you want: a credit, a repair or the fee removed.
2. How long to wait
There is no fixed wait before you file with the FCC, but you should try the provider first. Once the FCC serves your complaint, the provider must reply in writing within 30 days.
3. Escalate to FCC Consumer Complaint Center
No filing charge. The provider must answer you and the FCC in writing within 30 days of being served. It is free. It can: sends certain complaints to the provider for a written response; if the FCC lacks authority it points you to the right agency. fcc.gov/complaints
4. Escalate to Local cable franchise authority
Check your cable bill for its name. It is free. usa.gov/tv-complaints
Where to escalate and the time limits
Time limits run from the date shown in each row. Keep the final response or deadlock letter, because the ombudsman will ask for it.
| Who | Time limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FCC Consumer Complaint Center | No filing charge. The provider must answer you and the FCC in writing within 30 days of being served. | Free |
| Local cable franchise authority | Check your cable bill for its name. | Free |
Evidence to keep
Bills with the disputed charges. Speed test results with dates. Ticket numbers and chat transcripts. Your contract or advertised offer.
Also worth knowing
FCC phone line: 1-888-225-5322.
Guides and definitions
- How to file a CFPB complaint, what happens next and does it work (Guide)
- Regulation E (Regulation E is the US federal rule that limits your liability for unauthorized debit card and electronic transfers to $50 or $500 if you report them in time.)
Complaints about something else
- Bank or credit card (US)
- Loans and credit reports (US)
- Airlines (US)
- Utilities (power, gas, water) (US)
- Shopping and online retailers (US)
- Health insurance (US)
- Landlord or housing (US)
All complaint guides · Get your route with dates and a letter
Common questions
How do I file a complaint with the FCC?
Go to fcc.gov/complaints, call 1-888-225-5322, or write to the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau in Washington, DC. There is no filing charge, you don't need a lawyer, and you should try to resolve the problem with your provider first.
How long does a provider have to answer an FCC complaint?
30 days from receiving it, if the FCC serves the complaint on the provider. The provider must send its answer in writing to both you and the FCC, and it may contact you directly to settle the complaint.
Who handles complaints about cable TV bills?
Your local cable franchise authority takes complaints about cable rates, fees, signal quality and customer service. Its name is usually on your cable bill. You can also file with the FCC.
What problems does the FCC take complaints about?
Billing and access problems, advertised internet speeds, number porting, equipment, unwanted calls and texts, and TV and radio services. If the FCC does not have authority over your complaint, it may send you to another agency.
What evidence should I keep for an internet complaint?
Bills with the disputed charges, speed test results with dates and times, ticket numbers and chat transcripts, and the advertised offer or contract. Note every outage with the date and how long it lasted.
Sources and assumptions
- General routes from official sources; a scheme may ask for more before it takes your case.
- Federal Communications Commission: Filing an Informal Complaint (reviewed 17 February 2026)
- USAGov: Where to file a complaint about cable or satellite television
Guidance on where to complain, not legal advice.