Chairman Wheeler's Response to Rep. Hurt Regarding Inmate Calling Services

On December 10, 2014, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler responded to a letter from Rep Robert Hurt (R-VA) which raised concerns by Virginia law enforcement officials regarding the FCC's inmate call service (ICS) proceeding, fearing that the elimination of site commissions may ultimately result in cuts to inmate programs funded by such commissions.

Chairman Wheeler wrote, "To address the concerns you have raised on behalf of law enforcement officials, the Further Notice seeks comment on whether correctional institutions incur any costs in the provision of lCS and, if so, how facilities should recover such costs if the FCC otherwise determines to prohibit the use of site commissions. Finally, the Further Notice seeks comment on providing a multi-year transition period to provide sufficient time for correctional facilities to adjust their budgets." Chairman Wheeler assured Rep Hurt that the FCC will take into consideration the issues and concern presented by all stakeholders engaged in this proceeding, including representatives of the law enforcement community, and reaffirmed the goal of the Further Notice is to reform the ICS system comprehensively, while also ensuring appropriate cost recovery and transition periods for correctional facilities.