WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17, 2011)  Hispanics outpace other demographic groups as users of mobile phones and social media, according to a report released today by The Hispanic Institute. "Our research shows that Hispanics are enthusiastic consumers of wireless services," said Gus West, Board Chair of The Hispanic Institute. "Latinos depend on mobile technology to engage with their fellow citizens -- and the political process."

The study -- "Connected Hispanics & Civic Engagement" -- explains how Hispanics have used mobile technology to affect change in three important areas: Immigration, Education, and Voter Registration.

The Latino community has been quick to embrace wireless services in part because of the high premium that Hispanic culture places on civic engagement and neighborly communication. Nearly 90 percent of Hispanics own mobile phones, compared to just 80 percent of whites. And 53 percent of Hispanics use mobile devices to access the internet. Only 33 percent of non-Hispanic Whites do the same.

"At The Hispanic Institute, we've witnessed the power of mobile technology in the Latino community firsthand, with our voter registration and mobilization efforts in Nevada last year," said West.

"Mobile and wireless technology have helped narrow the digital divide for Hispanics," West concluded. "Our new report illustrates how important mobile technology is to the Latino community -- and how Hispanic consumers will use these services in the future."