The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved new rules that will significantly reduce the cost of phone calls and video visitation for people in prisons and jails. The changes, which were announced last week, will bring down the cost of a 15-minute phone call from as much as $11.35 to $0.90 in large jails and from $12.10 to $1.35 in small jails.
The new rules will also address the high cost of video visitation calls, which will now be required to offer per-minute rate options based on actual usage. This change is expected to reduce the cost of video calls to less than a quarter of their current prices.
In addition to reducing the cost of phone calls and video visitation, the new rules will also ban prisons from collecting commissions from phone providers. This practice, known as a “kickback” charge, has added to the cost of phone calls made by prisoners.
The changes were made possible by the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden last year. The law expanded the FCC’s authority to regulate “incarcerated persons communications services” (IPCS), leading to the new regulations.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who led the charge to enact the law, said in a statement that she is proud to have played a role in bringing about the changes. “I look forward to seeing it bring families closer, reduce recidivism rates, and make our communities stronger,” she said.
Studies have shown that frequent contact with relatives is a key factor in reducing recidivism rates. However, the high cost of phone calls and video visitation has made it difficult for many families to stay connected with their loved ones in prison.
The provision of telephone equipment and service to jails and prisons has become a $1.4 billion industry, dominated by a handful of companies. However, some states have taken steps to reduce the cost of phone calls for prisoners. At least five states have eliminated all fees on prisoner phone calls, including Massachusetts, which enacted a no-cost prisoner call law late last year.
According to Massachusetts Dept. of Corrections commissioner Carol Mici, the policy change will “alleviate the financial burden and remove barriers for an individual in MA DOC custody to stay connected with their outside support system.” She added that “strong family support helps to advance the rehabilitative process, reduces recidivism, and contributes to successful reentry upon release.”
