FCC prepares to cut ‘exorbitantly’ high fees for prison calls

For years, prisoners and their families have been charged staggeringly high rates for phone calls behind bars. Now, the Federal Communications Commission is seeking reform as early as July 18.

In a report released Wednesday by the FCC, the organization revealed it will soon "vote to end exorbitant phone video call rates that have burdened incarcerated people and their families for decades."

Traditionally, a 15-minute conversation from within the walls of a large prison would cost the caller $11.35, or $12.10 if the call was made from a prison with less than 1,000 people. New regulations could drop these prices down to as low as 90 cents for larger prisons and $1.35 for smaller.

HOW TO WATCH THE FIRST TRUMP-BIDEN 2024 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

“Our communities benefit from incarcerated people staying connected to their loved ones,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. “Everyone deserves communications with just and reasonable rates and practices.”

The FCC had previously instituted price caps on out-of-state prison calls, but could never lower the rates within states. In 2015, they tried to impose an in-state cap, but were sued by the telephone companies. Eventually, this suit made its way to a federal court who gave the FCC authority to regulate in-state calls.

In 2022, Congress passed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act. Once ratified, the act "empowered the FCC to close the final loopholes in the communication system" and impose federal regulations on all prison phone prices. It was named after Martha Wright-Reed, who, unable to afford to talk with her incarcerated grandson, sued a private jail in 2000.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

With this new act, updated rules are required from the FCC. This prospective vote will be the first serious move beyond simply pledging to shift the high-priced status quo. They plan to move beyond audio and implement caps on video call rates as well, including video visitation.

The Commission will convene for a vote on July 18, 2024, and a draft of their proposal will be available June 27th on the FCC website .