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NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
The number of complaints filed about wireless phone service soared 38 percent last year, a consumer group reported Tuesday.
Complaints rose to 29,478 in 2004 from 21,357 in 2003, according to the Consumers Union.
"The numbers don't lie -- there continues to be a problem, and it's getting worse, not better," Janee Briesemeister, a senior policy advocate for the consumer advocacy group, said in a statement.
"The staggering increase in complaints is further evidence that reform is needed in the wireless phone market so consumers can get a fair shake," Briesemeister said.
Billing problems were the No. 1 complaint among consumers. Complaints about transferring their phone numbers, service quality, contracts and marketing were close behind.
Cingular Wireless had the worst combined complaint record for 2004, according to the report.
Of the national wireless companies, Verizon had the fewest complaints. Overall, regional carrier US Cellular had the lowest number of complaints.
"Consumers want to know which companies are generating the most complaints about billing, service and coverage before they sign a long-term contract," Briesemeister said.
"Companies will have an incentive to improve if they know consumers can check out their service records."
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