GTL Begins Process of Appeal of FCC Order Affecting the Inmate Calling Services Market

RESTON, Va., Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Global Tel*Link (GTL), the leading provider of correctional technology solutions, today announced its decision to pursue judicial review of the recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that seeks to regulate the Inmate Calling Services (ICS) industry. The legal action specifically challenges FCC Order No. 15-136, which regulates rates and ancillary fees for intrastate and interstate calls made from U.S. inmate facilities. The rate caps are unreasonably low and based on costs that exclude any payment of site commissions to facilities. GTL believes the FCC has exceeded its legal authority and instead has created a rule which fails to reform the industry, leaving limited room for the essential investment in technology and innovation needed to move the industry forward.

The order specifically threatens technology use, development, and deployment at many of the country's smaller jails – the vast majority of facilities in the country. GTL believes the FCC's order is well-intended but dramatically short-sighted.

"The decision by the FCC to cap rates and fees, while suggesting that site commissions are not a cost, ignores the body of evidence submitted in the FCC's proceeding," said Brian Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of GTL. "The FCC's choice of convenience over political courage to create a fair and balanced solution for everyone has created chaos in the market, with facilities and providers uncertain as to whether certain technologies and essential services will continue to be possible under the current regulation."

Prison communications technology is essential to reducing recidivism and maintaining the safety and security of our nation's correctional facilities, inmates, facility officers, and employees. Studies have shown that access to technology, including phones and other services, ensures that inmates are able to maintain essential support networks.

GTL is committed to maintaining and providing the highest quality service and technology to the nation's correctional facilities. Through the decision to pursue legal action, GTL is advocating for a balanced approach toward reining in phone rates – one that relies on cost data and which is supported by evidence.

GTL believes this effort is necessary to continue to provide quality service, state-of-the-art technology, and administrative payments that enable facilities to recoup the costs of providing phone service to the inmate population.

About Global Tel*Link
GTL is the leading provider of integrated correctional technology solutions, delivering financial value, security, and ease of operation to our customers through visionary products and solutions at the forefront of corrections innovation. As a trusted correctional industry leader, GTL provides service to approximately fifty percent of inmates nationwide, including service to 33 state departments of corrections, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 32 of the largest city/county facilities. GTL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with more than 10 regional offices across the country. To find out more about GTL, please visit our website www.gtl.net.

 

SOURCE Global Tel*Link