Jails can charge more for phone calls, even for video calls, to cover their costs

The Federal Communications Commission has raised the maximum rates that jails and prisons can charge for phone and video calls. This means correctional facilities can now recover more of their operating costs from incarcerated people and their families.

For years, the cost of phone calls from jail has been a major financial burden on incarcerated people and their families. This rule change allows facilities to pass on more of their security and administrative costs directly to those making and receiving calls. It also creates a new rate category for very small jails, which often struggle to cover their costs.