Measure T Mountain View

Measure T on the ballot this November is a tax on telecommunications. In the past it mainly affected the landline telephone services because 40 years ago that was all there was. Now, however, that may change. This measure is looking forward to the future--the future where telecommunications services are no longer landline based.

In 2008 the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) reported that nearly 20% of all U.S. households rely on wireless phone service as their primary way of making calls (doing away with their landline phone). Many people are also switching to Voice Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. It is likely that Mountain View is beginning to lose some of the $1.8 million dollars needed to fund vital city services due to these changes.

While the 3% rate isn't increasing, the number of services it taxes will. For instance, if you currently use VoIP services such as internet Google phone, Skype, or Vonage, the 3% tax will likely apply to these services. Many local businesses have switched to VoIP technology because of the cost savings from traditional landlines.

Measure T may change the cost of these services, as providers are unlikely to absorb the 3% tax. As more people switch to VoIP and wireless services, the less tax revenue will be available to the city under the current tax. If measure T passes, how a free service such as Google phone will keep track of, and charge your calls is still unclear.

For further information about Measure T, contact City of Mountain View City Manager's Office at (650) 903-6301, or visit the City's web site at: www.mountainview.gov

Source:
http://www.nena.org/911-statistics
http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=532&TargetID=1