RCA TO HOLD HEARING ON THE $2 RATE FOR COLLECT LOCAL PRISON CALLS AND
RELATED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) opened an investigation to consider the consumer
complaints filed in response to the planned $2 per call to be applied to collect local calls from
inmates in the State of Alaska correctional facilities.
On July 31, 2008, the Department of Corrections (DOC) announced that effective September 1,
2008, it would implement the $2 per call fee to be applied to collect local prison calls placed by
inmates in Alaska correctional facilities. The fee would apply to “all successful local
calls” from
inmates, excluding calls from telephones located in booking areas of intake facilities, calls to
public defenders and calls to the Office of Public Advocacy. The letter further stated that this
commission had approved the $2 fee and that it was “part of the current contract between the
State of Alaska and Securus Technologies”.
Shortly after DOC’s announcement, the RCA received informal complaints regarding the $2 fee.
The complaints relate to the $2 fees that will be incurred by bail bondsman companies, ankle
monitoring companies, and attorneys.
The RCA prohibited Evercom from charging the $2 fee on its own behalf but allowed billing $2 fee
on behalf of GCI unless directed by the RCA. The RCA believes that doubt exists as to the
reasonableness of the $2 Collect Local Prison Call rate found in GCI’s local tariff, and therefore
it
may be appropriate to make the rate interim and refundable pending resolution of issues in this
proceeding. Consequently, the RCA scheduled a hearing where GCI will be afforded the
opportunity to demonstrate why the rate should not be made interim and refundable.
While the RCA does not intend to become involved in issues within the purview of the DOC
related to the day-to-day operation of correctional facilities, the main concern is to ensure
compliance by with the state public utility statutes and regulations, including requirements that:
(a) rates shall be just and reasonable;
(b) a public utility files a complete tariff showing all rates, including joint rates, tolls, rentals
and
charges collected;
(c) a public utility files every special contract;
(d) a public utility “may not, as to rates, grant an unreasonable preference or advantage to any
of
its customers or subject a customer to an unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage; and
(e) a public utility may not operate or receive compensation for utility service without first
obtaining from the commission a certification.
A public hearing on this matter will convene at 9 a.m. on September 11, 2008.
Date Issued: 8/30/2008