FCC Takes Next Steps Towards Just and Reasonable Communications

On January 5, 2023, President Joseph Biden signed into law the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 (Martha Wright-Reed Act) to ensure just and reasonable charges for telephone and advanced communications services in correctional and detention facilities. The law is the product of efforts by multiple individuals and committed stakeholders over a number of years to comprehensively address the persistent problem of unreasonably high rates and charges incarcerated people and their families pay for communications services. On March 16, the Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to implement the new law and ensure just and reasonable charges for telephone and advanced communications services in correctional and detention facilities. Here, we look at the issues the FCC is exploring and seeking public input on.