CWA, civil rights coalition urge FCC to continue prison phone reform

In 2015 the Federal Communications Commission approved measures to reform inmate calling services to ensure that rates are “just, reasonable, and fair.” Those reforms capped all inmate calling rates – a 15-minute call can cost no more than $1.65 – and limited or banned ancillary service charges, which can add nearly 40% to the cost of a single call. Now a coalition of civil rights and public interest groups are urging the FCC to build on these important changes.

In a letter to the FCC, the coalition explained the importance of fair inmate communications services and offered specific suggestions:

• Address pricing abuses in advanced communications and video visitation;
• Cap international calling rates;
• Address the communications rights of deaf, hard of hearing, and disabled inmates;
• Ensure the limits on ancillary fees are effective for all communications; and
• Collect data in the prison communications industry.