REC applauds the Commission on their decision today that provides relief to families who receive collect calls from correctional institutions. In some cases, families have been billed as much as $14 per minute for phone calls. Today's decision will provide the families the relief they deserve from the predatory and captive marketing of non-competitive telecommunications service providers.
In six separate decisions, the Commission also levied $30 million in fines towards calling card providers for deceptive marketing practices. These cards are used mainly by low income immigrants for making international phone calls. While the Republican commissioners (Pai and O'Rielly) dissented, a majority of the Commission did the right thing. Fees for services must be clearly disclosed and not relegated to small print.
REC supports efforts to eliminate "captive audience" and decepting marketing schemes by telecom providers.
We also congratulate the various grassroots causes who have been fighting for prison phone reform on their victory today.
