Trends in Latino Mobile Phone Usage: And What They Mean for U.S. Telecommunications Policy

The report offers the most comprehensive compilation of up-to-date data on how the Latino community is using mobile phones.

After comparing and contrasting findings from different sources, NHMC recommends a variety of policies to guarantee connectivity, affordability, and usability of mobile phones for all consumers. The first-of-its-kind report offers a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends in the way the Latino community uses cell phones. The compilation of the data indicates three major tendencies: Latinos are less likely to adopt broadband at home than other ethnic groups; are three times more likely than the general population to rely on mobile phones as their only means of Internet access; and are footing a larger mobile phone bills than any other demographic group. Based on the landscape of data compiled in the report, NHMC makes a number of policy recommendations to enable the Latino community to thrive as it embraces mobile technology, including:

• Reforming the Universal Service Fund
• Preserving competition in the wireless industry
• Preserving the open Internet over fixed and mobile services
• Protecting consumers from predatory business practices