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California Considers Text Messaging Tax To Fund Cell Service For Low-Income Residents (thehill.com)

According to a report from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California may soon tax text messaging to help fund programs that make phone service available for low-income residents. The report says the tax would likely be a flat fee added to a monthly bill instead of a per text tax. The Hill reports: The report outlines the shrinking revenue coming from a current tax on the telecommunications industry and argues that a new tax on text messaging should be put in place to make up for it. "From a consumer's point of view, surcharges may be a wash, because if more surcharge revenues come from texting services, less would be needed from voice services," CPUC spokeswoman Constance Gordon said in a statement. "Generally, those consumers who create greater texting revenues may pay a bit more, whereas consumers using more voice services may pay less." "Parties supporting the collection of surcharges on text messaging revenue argue that it will help preserve and advance universal service by increasing the revenue base upon which Public Purpose Programs rely. We agree," the report states. The CTIA, a trade association representing major carriers in the wireless industry, says the tax is anti-competitive and would put carriers at a disadvantage against social media messaging apps from tech companies such as Google and Facebook. The CPUC is expected to vote on the proposal in January 2019.

2 of 244 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Nobody texts anymore, gramps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    If by "Nobody" you mean "95% of people" then.. I guess? It always amuses me how out of touch people are with reality.

    "Hey guise, nobody uses credit cards anymore, it's all BITCOIN!!!!". Sure.

  2. Where is dyac when you need it? by raymorris · · Score: 1, Informative

    > On behalf of California, one of the most prosperous states

    I would have died laughing if autocorrect had made that "one of the most preposterous states".

    Seriously I'm glad you like where you live.
    I like where I live.

    If you ever get to a point where you're dead broke because all of the stable companies have left California, and you hear about getting a 3,500 square foot house in Dallas for $250,000, near the new Toyota headquarters, come on over if you want. Only thing - if you do end up fleeing from economic failure, try not to bring the same failing ideas with you. That's all. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy California as long as you live there.