FCC votes to limit prison telecom charges (worthrises.org)

Article summary

The FCC has voted to limit the rates that prison telecoms charge for phone and video calls from prisons and jails, more than halving the per-minute rate caps and establishing interim rate caps for video calls. This decision is expected to impact 83% of incarcerated people and save families at least $500 million annually. The new rules will also prohibit all fees, including deposit fees, and exclude security and surveillance costs from ratepayers. The regulations are part of the implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act.

Main themes

• Prison telecom regulation
• FCC decision
• Phone and video call rates
• Prison industry exploitation
• Social justice
• Surveillance and security costs

What commenters say

• The high cost of prison phone calls has been a major obstacle for families trying to stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones, and the new regulations will help alleviate this issue.
• The prison telecom industry's business model is based on exploiting vulnerable people and their families, and the new regulations are a step towards ending this exploitation.
• The regulation of prison phone calls is a complex issue that involves balancing the need for security and surveillance with the need for affordable communication for incarcerated individuals and their families.
• The new regulations may not go far enough in reducing the cost of prison phone calls, and some argue that the rates are still too high.
• The privatization of the prison industry has created a system where companies prioritize profits over rehabilitation and social welfare, and the new regulations are a step towards addressing this issue.
• The exclusion of security and surveillance costs from ratepayers is a significant aspect of the new regulations, and some argue that this will help reduce the financial burden on incarcerated individuals and their families.
• The use of technology, such as VOIP systems, can help incarcerated individuals and their families avoid the high costs of traditional prison phone calls, but some prisons may block or restrict access to these services.
• The new regulations may face legal challenges, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court decisions regarding the powers of executive branch agencies like the FCC.