January 4, 2007
Contact: Joe Farren
202.736.3207

Largent Lauds Introduction of Wireless Phone Tax Moratorium Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC - CTIA - The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent issued the following statement today in response to the introduction of the Cell Phone Tax Moratorium Act of 2007:

"Senators McCain (R-AZ) and DeMint (R-SC) are to be congratulated for their steadfast defense of the American wireless user, who continues to be the target of discriminatory taxation. Today, the average wireless user in America pays more than 14% of his or her monthly bill in taxes and fees. This is an indefensible level of taxation for most any product, let alone one that allows more than 225 million Americans to constantly stay connected and in-touch with the world around them.

"Wireless today is how Americans surf the web, listen to music, watch video, take and send pictures and communicate via phone calls, email and text messages. The anytime, anywhere nature of wireless allows all of us to be more productive and efficient whether at home, at work or at play. As a nation, we simply cannot make the strides we have to make with regard to broadband adoption if we continue to tax this innovative and high-tech service in such an exorbitant and regressive fashion.

"The significance of this issue is evident in the fact that it was one of the first bills introduced in the 110th Congress. We in the wireless industry intend to do everything in our power to pass this important legislation and in doing so will engage our employees and the 225 million customers in the debate. We look forward to working with the sponsors and all Members of Congress to enact this much needed legislation on behalf of the over-taxed wireless consumer. "

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CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry,
representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
http://www.ctia.org