FCC must cap jailhouse phone charges

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[Commentary] Research shows that inmates who preserve ties with their families, especially their spouse and children, have a much better chance of staying out of jail. But imagine paying $10 for a 10-minute phone call. Whether from inside or outside a correctional facility, that’s what it costs (sometimes more, depending on the phone provider) to stay in touch with an inmate -- $1 per minute for an in-state, long-distance or prepaid collect call. The cost is typically shouldered by the inmate’s loved ones.

The Federal Communications Commission recently made a landmark recommendation to significantly limit commissions generated by high phone rates. It faces fierce opposition from scores of public agencies and private corporations that preside over prisons and jails. Last month I presented to the commissioners my support for reform. Within weeks, the FCC will render a decision on what may be a seminal turn for some of this nation’s poorest consumers.

[Ross Mirkarimi is the elected sheriff for the city and county of San Francisco]


FCC must cap jailhouse phone charges