Wheeler and Clyburn call for reasonable inmate calling charges

Last week, FCC Chair Wheeler and Commissioner Clyburn issued a joint statement calling for further reform of inmate calling costs and practices. Said Wheeler and Clyburn:

“... today we prepare to take the next critical step toward reducing the high price paid by inmates and their families to communicate.

“Our recent reforms have reduced interstate long-distance inmate calling rates by nearly 40%... But many families of inmates still face exorbitant rates for in-state calls, not to mention punitive and irrational fees – all of which make the simple act of staying in touch unaffordable.

So, Wheeler and Clyburn are circulating a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which contains, “a simple, market-based solution to address all these problems. It proposes rules that will ensure that ALL Americans – including inmates and their families – have access to phone service at rates that are just, reasonable and fair.”

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also joined in supporting of the proposal.

Cheryl Leanza, Policy Advisor of the United Church of Christ (UCC) – one of the major community groups calling for an end to extortionate inmate calling charges – issued a response:

“Predatory prison phone rates not only harm families economically, they undermine a supportive network for inmates, which in turn makes our communities less safe. We are pleased to see that the Commission is proposing to reform local telephone rates and to take further action to eliminate the subsidy of our prisons and jails via telephone rates.”

Speed Matters has long supported reform of inmate calling fees.

Next Steps On Inmate Calling Reform (FCC Wheeler/Clyburn, Sep. 25, 2014)

FCC Chairman Wheeler Announces Prison Phone Rate Reform (UCC Media Justice, Sep. 29, 2014)