CWA signs on to fight against exorbitant prison phone rates

CWA joined with dozens of other groups in urging further federal action to end predatory prison phone rates. The letter has been filed with the FCC.

For years civil rights, religious and labor groups have pointed out the exorbitant phone rates imposed on the nation’s huge prison population. Studies have shown that strong family and community ties are the most important factors preventing inmate relapse. And by putting extortionate fees on telephone calls, prisons and phone services are putting a barrier between inmates and their families.

According to the United Church of Christ, the letter supports, “the FCC’s proposal to end 'kick-back' payments, known as commissions from phone companies to prisons, jails and detention centers. The letter also urged the FCC to cap local rates and to block unfair fees, to build on the FCC's historic decision to cap long-distance rates in 2014.”

Re: Rates for Inmate Calling Services (UCC OC Inc., Jan.12, 2015)

More Reform on Prison Phone Rates! (UCC Media Justice Update, Jan. 13, 2015)