F.C.C. Limits Cost of Calls for Inmates

A recent change in rules by the F.C.C. led to a decrease in costs for inmates calling their families and friends. Previously, it could cost inmates up to $14 per minute to make a phone call. Usually, it is the inmate’s families who pay for the phone calls. The F.C.C. first took steps to limit the profits made by the telephone industries two years ago. They set a cap that limited the price charged for interstate phone calls. Now, two years later, the F.C.C finally restricted the price of phone calls down to 11 cents per minute. This would mean that a 15 minute phone call would cost no more than $1.65; a very affordable rate for families of inmates who are already statistically low income families.

What do these new regulations mean for sex offenders? It has been proven that keeping up relationships with people while incarcerated can lead to a more successful reentry into society. Family and friend connections increase the chances that SOs will later find homes and potential jobs when released from incarceration.