On Monday, June 17, 91 civil rights and advocacy organizations representing individuals and communities across the country submitted a letter to FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel expressing their support for the federal regulator’s efforts to adopt new, lower rate caps for incarcerated communications services. For decades, telecom profiteers have exploited incarcerated people and their families, forcing them to pay extreme costs to maintain connections with their loved ones. The FCC is now taking steps to lower costs after President Biden signed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act into law at the beginning of 2023, reaffirming the FCC’s authority to regulate rates and fees charged for incarcerated communications services in federal jail and prison.
Cheryl A. Leanza, policy advisor of the United Church of Christ Ministry, said, “We are gratified at the broad public consensus of the need for lower costs for incarcerated people and their loved ones. The Martha Wright-Reed Act passed Congress on a bi-partisan basis and the public agrees: putting cost burdens on our most vulnerable not only puts consumers with no choice as to their communications provider in a pincer’s grip, but also weakens our society by driving families apart.”
In their letter, organizations urge the Commission to adopt the lowest possible rates for voice and video communication as well as implement additional consumer protection measures, ensure equitable access to communications services for Disabled people who are incarcerated and improve billing transparency. Studies have repeatedly found that maintaining connections with loved ones and community throughout incarceration is essential for improving people’s ability to successfully re-enter their communities, as it supports family stability, facilitates access to job opportunities and community support, in addition to other meaningful resources and support.
Organizations expressing their support for significantly lowering rates for incarcerated communications services under the FCC’s authority include an intersectional network of advocates working to advance solutions for criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+ rights, child health and well-being, in addition to religious institutions, carceral facilities and others. Exorbitant costs and fees heighten depression, isolation, and loneliness among incarcerated individuals – actively harming them instead of providing any discernible benefit.
This diverse network of civil rights and advocacy organizations demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the industry’s profit-driven practices and signals a need to fundamentally better conditions for individuals who are incarcerated.
The letter filing details can be found here.
Learn more about UCC Media Justice’s work toward open and affordable communications here.