Taxes on cell phone service
Survey respondents also had definite opinions about how existing tax collections
should be spent.
“Wireless consumers want accountability and equity when the government spends the revenues from wireless fees and taxes,” added Polk.
For example, 91 percent say funds collected for E-911 fees should be strictly designated to pay for emergency services related to cell phones. Some state governments have used, and continue to use, E-911 fees for other unrelated projects.
Also, 70 percent want government to use more of the $1-per-month “universal service fund (USF)” fee they pay on wireless to help cell phone companies improve the quality of cell phone service in rural and high-cost areas. As it stands, about 75 percent of the total funds go instead toward providing improved landline phone services.
Meanwhile, 81 percent agreed that local governments should work cooperatively with cell phone companies to ensure that wireless antennas and towers can be sited in residential areas to provide coverage wherever people live, work, and play.
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.