FCC Chairman Wheeler's Response to Rep. Coleman Regarding Rates for Inmate Telephone Calls

On Jan. 13, 2015, Rep Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to express her support for the FCC's efforts to regulate private companies that provide interstate telephone service for prison and jail inmates, specifically the FCC's efforts to cap interstate calls and require companies to base charges on the actual costs of providing service.

On Feb. 6, 2015, Chairman Wheeler responded by noting the success of the FCC's interim reforms of interstate inmate calling services. The Chairman mentions that unfortunately, intrastate rates have increased in many states, and that FCC Commissioner Clyburn is spearheading the effort on the issue, issuing a Further Notice which seeks comment on permanent rate caps on all services: local, intrastate long distance, and interstate long distance telephone services.