Today, the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve a Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Clarification and Waiver, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin implementing the “Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022” to end predatory pricing for calls to and from incarcerated people. The agency also seeks comment on additional reforms for incarcerated people’s communications services. The move follows almost 20 years of public interest advocacy championing the needs of this vulnerable group. Public Knowledge applauds the Commission for working to keep incarcerated people and their families connected.
The following can be attributed to Al Kramer, Senior Fellow at Public Knowledge:
“No one should have to make the choice between connecting with incarcerated loved ones or putting food on the table. Today, the Commission instituted large reductions – in most cases reducing rates by over 50% – in the charges that may be imposed on calls to and from incarcerated persons by the companies who service incarceration facilities. Requiring these costly charges to be just and reasonable marks an important step forward in the fight for prison phone justice. Public Knowledge congratulates the Commission and commends Chairwoman Rosenworcel for her leadership in taking this action.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.