Think about how many times a day you look at your wireless device, and all of the things you’re doing with it. Talking. Checking email. Doing your job. Watching video, reading news or playing games. The list can get pretty long, and as our latest national wireless tax consumer survey shows, it’s clear that wireless is a ‘must-have’ for most Americans today.
According to the MyWireless.org National Tax Survey, more than 80% of wireless consumers believe their wireless service is an essential part of their daily lives. That’s one of the highlights of the survey, which also shows a vast majority of U.S. subscribers are unhappy with the high rate of wireless taxation and support several pieces of important legislation that would provide sensible and fair tax relief.
Findings from the survey, which was conducted last month, revealed that:
- More than 9 in 10 (94%) consumers remain satisfied with their wireless phone service.
- In addition to the four out of five surveyed who said wireless is essential to their everyday lives, roughly two-thirds (65%) of wireless consumers say they’re using a wireless device for things related to work, school or personal management.
- Of that group, 93% say it makes them more productive.
When it comes to taxes:
- Four in five (81%) wireless consumers still think a combined state and local tax rate above the national average rate of 17% for wireless services is too much.
- A whopping 97% believes the tax rate should be the same or less than the taxes they pay on general goods and services.
- Nearly two thirds (61%) surveyed support Congress taking action by passing a 5-year moratorium on states or localities imposing any new or discriminatory tax specifically on wireless services.
Wireless is increasingly becoming a primary gateway to Internet access, allowing Americans from all walks of life to equally participate and compete in today’s global economy. Unsurprisingly, 94% of consumers surveyed consider Internet service as an essential service in their everyday life. Two-thirds (66%) support Congress continuing the moratorium prohibiting states and municipalities from taxing access to the Internet. The moratorium is set to expire this year.
As for digital goods (ebooks, videos, games, apps, music, etc.):
- Two-thirds (66%) of wireless consumers surveyed purchase online digital downloads to their wireless phone or other wireless device. It is interesting to point out that Hispanic (81%) consumers are more active in downloading digital goods than African-Americans (68%) and White consumers (63%).
- Three-quarters (75%) think it’s unfair for consumers who buy digital goods and services to have to pay taxes from several different government jurisdictions for the same purchase.
- 59% prefer digital downloads being subject to one fair and consistent set of taxes established by federal guidelines.
It’s obvious that most American wireless consumers believe wireless is providing them with significant benefits, and is helping them be better connected and enjoy more convenience than ever before, and to be more efficient and productive on the job. At the same time, it’s just as clear there is widespread dissatisfaction with how they’re being taxed on this invaluable service, and what they’d like done about it. That’s why it’s time for Congress to act and pass the ‘Wireless Tax Fairness Act,’ to provide relief and stability to consumers when they need it the most. If you haven’t already told your federally-elected Representative and Senators how you feel about this bill, now’s your chance.
Please help spread the word: