MediaJustice

Prison Phone Justice

For more than a decade, families have been calling for relief from the high price of staying connected to their loved ones behind bars. From the price of a simple phone call to the exploitative charges for video visitations, families are often forced to choose between other needs—like food and power—and regular contact. Meanwhile, the phone providers and the correctional facilities are making huge profits by maintaining these electronic barriers.

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By the Numbers

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2.4 million

People Incarcerated in the U.S. A 500 % increase compared to 30 years ago. One in 28 American children had a parent behind bars in 2012.

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21 cents

We successfully pushed the Federal Communications Commission to cap the rate of long distance (interstate) prison phone calls to 21 cents and 25 cents per minute for debit and collect calls. We also successfully pushed the FCC to eliminate and cap other predatory fees, including charges associated with the method of payment (by phone or website).

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$17

However, the FCC does not regulate local prison phone calls, so currently it can cost $17 for a 15-minute phone call from a local jail. And companies have found ways to evade the FCC’s ruling on fees and will charge families who need a third party system to process their payment a standard fee of 6 dollars.

About the Campaign

Problem: Over 2 million families in the U.S. can’t afford to stay in regular contact with their incarcerated loved ones. Companies like Securus and Global Tel Link have a near monopoly on phone access to prison and jails and charge families inflated rates for phone calls and other forms of communications like video visits and emails.

Solution: Communication that’s affordable between the over 2 million incarcerated people and their families are vital to ensuring successful re-entry. Decisions on the cost to communicate in and out of prison and jails should prioritize the most affordable rate for families.

Get Involved: In 2019, Senator Tammy Duckworth introduced the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2019—that would restore the FCC’s authority to regulate intrastate prison phone rates and fees. Named after a pioneering Black activist in this campaign, the bill is an essential step towards true #PhoneJustice. Sign the petition now.

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