WASHINGTON, D.C. - Feb. 9, 2011 The Hispanic Institute filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today regarding the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at imposing new rules to help consumers avoid unexpected wireless charges. 

In the comments, The Hispanic Institute highlighted the high use of mobile devices within Hispanic communities and its shared commitment with the FCC to keep wireless services transparent and affordable.  Fortunately there are many options available to consumers who wish to monitor their usage, and with the combined efforts of companies and community groups, strategies can be developed to empower consumers.  According to data from the Nielsen Company, only one percent of Americans experience a significant voice or data overage expense in a given year.[1] [1]  Though well intended, the proposals do not address the problems facing these specific consumers and would subject all consumers to additional provisions that merit further analysis.

Instead of moving forward with additional regulations, The Hispanic Institute encourages the Commission to focus its immediate attention and efforts on consumer education initiatives and not regulatory mandates.

“Promoting existing tools that empower consumers to monitor their wireless usage should be the Commission’s first step in addressing overage concerns,” said Gus West, President, Board Chair of The Hispanic Institute. “Moreover, we hope that as the FCC considers the Bill Shock regulations and future policies, it will keep  unique needs in perspective, to help ensure that low-income Americans can continue to afford wireless broadband services that are helping them bridge the digital divide.”

The filing outlined that Hispanics are more mobile than the general U.S. population and rely more heavily on cell phones.  In fact, compared to Americans generally, Hispanics account for more minutes used and for a higher percentage of cell-phone ownership despite their relatively low incomes.[2] [2] According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project’s Mobile Access 2010 report, 87 percent of English-speaking Hispanic Americans own a cell phone, and among those who go online using a handheld device, 55 percent of English-speaking Hispanics use their cell phone to go online several times a day.