Home » Advocacy » Wireless Wave Spring 2006 - MyWireless.org First Anniversary Pg 2

Coordinating and supporting the unified efforts of wireless consumers in these state and federal campaigns is a consumer advocacy organization, MyWireless.org. MyWireless.org responded to consumers’ concerns about the increasing amount of taxes and regulations with an aggressive effort to educate and mobilize wireless users regarding the issues that affect their services. Since its launch in March 2005, hundreds of thousands of wireless consumers used the tools available from
MyWireless.org to reach lawmakers, helping to promote the innovation, affordability and accessibility of wireless services for all.

For the first time, more than 200 million consumers are empowered to actively protect the wireless services they rely on to stay in touch with their families, work more productively, and call for help in emergencies.

Aligned with MyWireless.org is a diverse coalition of about 40 organizations, such asthe U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Taxpayers Union, The National Black Chamber of Commerce, and USA NEXT (seniors association), dedicated to fighting unnecessary and excessive wireless taxes and regulations that diminish the choices, value, and innovative products and services consumers enjoy today. These organizations represent various consumer groups – seniors, minorities, small
business owners, local interests – but are united in their goal of protecting wireless consumers’ rights and defending their wireless future.

One of the greatest challenges – and opportunities – yet is the Telecommunications
Act rewrite in progress on Capitol Hill. In what is expected to be a multi-year effort, Congress is considering how to update its telecommunications laws to reflect the increasing availability of new technologies and services, and how to best pave the path for further competition and innovation.

As Congress continues drafting and debating telecommunications legislation, the wireless consumer voice will be crucial. MyWireless.org will be actively educating and mobilizing consumers to support policies that keep wireless service accessible, affordable, innovative, and competitive. As the Telecommunications Act rewrite escalates, MyWireless.org’s interactive Web site – www.MyWireless.org – will be a hub of resources for wireless consumers. It provides up-to-the minute information about legislative developments, as well as quick and easy tools for consumers to voice their support or opposition to specific bills. Additionally, a coordinated earned and paid media effort, highlighting the benefits and distinctiveness of
wireless, will raise awareness and engage more wireless users to support pro-wireless legislation.

Consumers in the MyWireless.org community are making their voices heard, and building a record of success impacting state and federal legislation to the benefit of all consumers. With important federal issues, such as the Federal Excise Tax and Telecommunications Act rewrite, and new state regulations introduced nearly every day, the power of 200 million wireless voices speaking out for affordable and
accessible wireless services will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with.

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.