Wireless Tax Burden Harms US Economy

ALEC ^ | 2-28-14 | Alec Rued

[ThethoughtsofGreg]

Since the Federal Communications Commission approved mobile devices for public consumption in 1983, the use of wireless phones has increased by 25 to 35 percent per year. Today, mobile technology is dispersed across more than 90 percent of the U.S. population and the number of cell phones in America exceeds the number of individuals.

Americans increasingly rely on this now ubiquitous technology. In fact, the Center for Disease Control reports that a shocking fifty percent of homes rely exclusively on wireless service. Less surprisingly, over 80 percent of participants in the TIME mobile survey believed they could not go a single day without their mobile device.

Wireless taxes and fees have increased three times faster than those levied on general goods and services. Wireless consumers today—9 in 10 Americans—face a combined federal, state, and local tax burden averaging over 17 percent of income. In fact, 47 states and the District of Columbia pay more in wireless taxes and fees than in general sales taxes, while states like Nebraska and Washington pay combined taxes and fees of 24 percent on monthly wireless services.

[BitWielder1]

All tax burdens harm the US economy.
Taxes are good for the government's economy, it's bad for the country's economy.

[Hardastarboard]

Ditched my land line a long time ago. Telemarketers and politicians can KMA.

[Organic Panic]

Is anyone else concerned with the CDC being “shocked” by phone servicecstatistics?

[upchuck]

Don’t have or need a cell phone myself.

I think those folks I see in the stores gripping their cell phones like their very life depends on it are ill. What’s wrong with putting it in you pocket?

My nonexistent cell phone is just one less thing for the NSA to worry about :)

[Flintlock]

My tracfone cost me $19.99.
Yearly cost is just over $100.