Clear Signals for Wireless Competition
Surveys show wireless consumers value the market’s influence more than government’s                                                                                  
                                                                                                     By  Jim Ross

Politicians have varying opinions about wireless communications, the Internet,
and how it all should be regulated and overseen. But the voice of the consumer is
crystal clear and united: We trust the market more than the men and women of Congress to get things right.

In a recent survey of 1,000 likely voters and taxpayers, MyWireless.org® found that 75 percent of wireless phone users and 79 percent of wireless Internet users thought that competition, not government, is the best way to ensure access to all the websites and Internet content they want.

These are just some of the findings from the national telephone survey. MyWireless.org commissioned McLaughlin & Associates of New York, a respected national polling firm, to conduct this general wireless survey, as well as a related one on Internet regulation in March 2007.

Overall, the surveys reveal a highly satisfied wireless consumer:

• An overwhelming majority, 93 percent, of respondents said they were satisfied with their cell phone service.
• 71 percent of wireless phone users and 79 percent of wireless Internet users are satisfied with the advancements in wireless services, such as wireless Internet access and content.
• 71 percent of respondents said cell phone coverage in their neighborhood is excellent/good.
• Only 5 percent chose the lowest rating – “poor” – to describe the value of their cell phone service.

But ask about government and the satisfaction turns to wariness. “Consumers equate regulation with driving up prices,” said McLaughlin’s Stuart Polk.

Some 83 percent of respondents think they already pay "too much" or the "right amount" in taxes and fees, and do not want further tax increases. Seventy-five percent would not be willing to pay more for so-called “consumer protection” regulations. In fact, 67 percent believe that new government regulations on
cell phone service would actually make their cell phone service more expensive.

Of the 1,000 cell phone users polled nationwide, the top findings include:

• 93% are satisfied with their wireless phone service.
• 83% think they already pay "too much" or the "right amount" in taxes and fees, and do not want further tax increases.
• 75% would not be willing to pay more for so-called "consumer protection" regulations, even spun as a "consumer bill of rights"—In fact, 67% believe that new government regulations on cell phone service would make their cell phone service more expensive.
• 71% of consumers support continuing laws that prohibit federal, state, or local governments from taxing Internet access or Internet commerce.