FCC ACTS TO ENSURE ACCESS TO COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FOR
INCARCERATED PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES - Mandates Access to All Forms of
Telecommunications Relay Services and Reforms Abusive Calling-Related
Practices
Media Contact:
Mike Snyder, (202) 418-0997
For Immediate Release
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2022—The Federal Communications Commission
adopted rules today to bring relief to incarcerated people with communication
disabilities by easing the obstacles they face in communicating with family,
loved ones, and other sources of support. The ability to make telephone calls is
essential to allowing incarcerated people to stay connected. Communication
barriers and excessive calling charges affect all incarcerated people but are
especially onerous for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, or
who have a speech disability.
The FCC will now require inmate calling services providers to provide access to
all relay services eligible for Telecommunications Relay Services fund support in
any correctional facility that is located where broadband is available and is part
of a correctional system with 50 or more incarcerated people. This includes the
ability to place point-to-point video calls using American Sign Language (ASL).
The rule also restricts provider charges for relay services and point-to-point
video calls.
More generally, the rules will reduce certain charges and curtail abusive
practices related to inmate calling services to ease the financial burdens on all
incarcerated people and their families.
To ensure that the rates, terms, and practices related to interstate and
international inmate calling services are just and reasonable, the new rules will
prohibit providers from taking control of funds in inactive calling accounts until
at least 180 calendar days of continuous inactivity has passed, after which
providers would be required to refund the balance or dispose of the funds in
accordance with applicable state law.
The Order also lowers the current ancillary fee caps on charges for single call
services, and lowers the cap on provider charges for processing credit card,
debit card, and other payments to calling services accounts.
A Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on other action to
make telephone service for all incarcerated individuals more equitable and
affordable.
Action by the Commission September 29, 2022 by Report and Order and Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 22-76). Chairwoman Rosenworcel,
Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving. Chairwoman
Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks issuing separate statements.
WC Docket No. 12-375
Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC /
www.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text
of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385
(D.C. Cir. 1974)
Date Issued: 9/29/2022