Incarcerated People's Communication Services: Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission is proposing new rules to lower the cost of phone calls and video visits for incarcerated people, implementing the Martha Wright-Reed Act. This regulation aims to make it more affordable for people in prison and jail to stay in contact with their families.
Key Points
- 1The rule sets price limits on interstate phone calls and video visits made by incarcerated people to reduce extremely high calling costs
- 2Affects phone companies that provide calling services to prisons and jails, which must comply with new FCC-set rates
- 3Families of incarcerated people will benefit from lower costs to maintain contact with loved ones, particularly those in different states
- 4The public can submit comments on this proposed rule until February 4, 2026, before the FCC decides whether to finalize it
- 5Named after Martha Wright-Reed, whose mother was incarcerated and faced expensive calling fees that made family communication difficult
Impact Assessment
If you are an inmate calling services provider, this means you must reduce rates for interstate phone calls and video visits, which will lower your revenue but make communication more affordable for incarcerated people and their families.
National
Moderate
Key Dates
December 5, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Procedural Rules; Correction
Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band: Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum between 3.7 and 24 GHz
General Provisions
Television Broadcasting Services: Hutchinson, KS
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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