Wireless Broadband benefits Hispanic Population.

A report published by The Hispanic Institute and Mobile Future highlights the opportunities presented by mobile broadband access for the nation’s 48 million Hispanics. As policymakers contemplate the future of broadband and wireless, the paper concludes that successful innovation policies must consider the needs and preferences of diverse Americans, including in particular the rapidly growing Hispanic community in the United States.

The report, “Hispanic Broadband Access: Making the Most of the Mobile, Connected Future,” provides an analysis of how Hispanics use broadband and especially wireless broadband services in their daily lives. Hispanics are among the most active users of mobile broadband. They also tend to be more geographically mobile than the overall U.S. population and, thus, rely more heavily on wireless services generally.

“Broadband access is closely aligned with economic opportunities and a wide array of social benefits–from health care to education to government services,” said The Hispanic Institute Board Chair Gus K. West. “This report concludes that it is critical that Hispanics have a seat at the table in the development of a national broadband strategy. Broadband service–and particularly wireless broadband–afford Hispanics greater access to the broad diversity of benefits that modern connectivity brings into our lives.”

Given that affordability is key to stimulating broadband adoption among lower-income consumers, the report advocates for more coherent and consumer-friendly tax policies to help ensure low-income Hispanics can continue to afford wireless broadband services. In addition to supporting Lifeline/Link-up programs that offer wireless telephone discounts to qualified low-income customers, the report also urges policies that support the growth of and investment in the wireless and broadband sectors, so they can continue to create high-wage, high-tech jobs for the growing Hispanic population.

“As the U.S. develops a national broadband strategy, much is at stake for American consumers, our country’s economy as well as future innovation and its many benefits for our citizens,” said Mobile Future Chairman Jonathan Spalter. “A better understanding of how Hispanics utilize mobile broadband can help us close the digital divide and ensure that the many benefits of mobile- and broadband-fueled innovation are enjoyed throughout our diverse society. Federal, state and local policies that spur investment, innovation and adoption are critical to making this all-important goal a reality.”

To download report CLICK on link below:
http://www.mobilefuture.org/page/-/HispanicsandBroadbandAccess.pdf>