MyWireless.org First Anniversary Celebration a Score Sheet of Wins
Wireless consumers across the country have at least 530 million reasons to
celebrate. One year ago, consumers were given a powerful, unified voice to speak out about wireless issues that affect them, and they used that voice loud and clear – defeating costly government taxes and regulations on their wireless services, to the tune of $530 million in savings. Armed with information and tools to make a difference, wireless consumers fought back unfair and excessive wireless taxes and regulations in multiple states, and won!
However, the battle has only just begun. Cities and states across the country remain active on wireless issues, not to mention growing action in the nation’s capital. Already in 2006, consumers are engaging in several new campaigns to protect their wireless freedom. Wireless consumers in South Dakota launched an aggressive drive to repeal the state’s 4 percent Gross Receipts Tax, a “double tax” tacked on to monthly wireless bills in addition to 6 percent state and local sales taxes, as well as other government mandates and fees. Consumers in the Keystone State are re-energizing their efforts to repeal Pennsylvania’s 6 percent Gross Receipts Tax on wireless services. Much like South Dakota, this double tax is especially onerous for wireless consumers, such as seniors, working families and small businesses that live and work on fixed incomes.
New Englanders are rallying against costly and complicated so-called “consumer protection” regulations that will likely raise prices, reduce choices, and delay improvements to the quality and coverage of wireless services. Research indicates that state legislatures across the country introduced more than 1,200 pieces of legislation in 2005 that would affect wireless services. If 2006 comes anywhere close to that, consumers can expect plenty of opportunities to keep wireless services affordable and accessible for all.
The power of wireless consumers is not confined to local or state battles; consumers have engaged at the federal level and proven just as effective. Thousands of wireless consumers made their voices heard with their Members of Congress by requesting a firm date for the transition to digital television, in order to free up airwaves for emergency response and advanced wireless services. In February, legislation solidifying the transition to digital television passed both Houses of Congress, and was signed by President Bush.
Consumers are also making headway on the ongoing campaign to repeal the grossly outdated 3 percent Federal Excise Tax. By reaching out to legislators on Capitol Hill and requesting refunds at the Internal Revenue Service, consumers are
adding momentum to this effort. More than 100,000 letters were sent to federal legislators, helping to successfully move this issue into the media spotlight and make Congress and the Administration take notice.
