The National Council Statement on FCC Delay of Prison Phone Cost Reductions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025

The National Council Statement on FCC Delay of Prison Phone Cost Reductions

BOSTON, October 1, 2025 - The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls strongly condemns the FCC’s announced delay in reducing the exorbitant costs of prison phone calls. By stalling, the FCC is failing in its mandate under the Martha Wright Reed Act, a law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, to end the predatory exploitation of incarcerated people and their families by private telecommunications corporations.

The facts are not in dispute. The FCC itself reports that these reforms would save families $500 million every year. A two-year delay means forcing vulnerable families, disproportionately poor, women, and people of color, to shoulder an additional $1 billion. That is unconscionable.

No one should be forced to stay connected to their loved ones through extortion. Parents should not have to decide between paying rent and hearing their child’s voice. Families should not be driven deeper into poverty just to maintain the basic human contact that is essential to dignity, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism.

This delay does more than drain families’ wallets; it undermines public safety. Strong community ties keep people from returning to prison. Cutting them off does the opposite, fueling cycles of incarceration that cost taxpayers billions and devastate communities.

Our members know this harm firsthand. Many of us have been incarcerated or had loved ones inside. We have lived the impossible choices these predatory call prices force on families. The law is clear. The will of the people is clear. The FCC must stop bending to corporate greed and implement these reforms without delay.

The National Council calls on the FCC to honor its legal duty, stand with families over profit, and end this exploitation now.