DeepSummary
When Diane Lewis' son Javon was sentenced to prison, she was instructed to call him every day, which proved to be extremely expensive as prison phone calls cost between $3 to $6 for just 15 minutes. This high cost was due to a monopoly held by two companies, Securus and ViaPath, who charged exorbitant rates by adding security services and sharing profits with prisons.
Over time, private equity firms consolidated the prison telecom industry, enabling the duopoly of Securus and ViaPath. However, a growing movement aims to make prison calls free by having states cover the costs, as research shows family communication improves reentry outcomes. Several states like Connecticut have already implemented free calls, significantly reducing costs while increasing call volume.
Diane Lewis had to skip meals or utility bills to afford calling her son, but now advocates for others to not face that difficult choice. Her son Javon credits the calls for maintaining a sense of normalcy during his incarceration. With the FCC expected to announce national rate caps soon, the high cost of prison calls is being addressed through policy changes.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Prison phone calls used to be reasonably priced until two major companies, Securus and ViaPath, gained a duopoly over the market and layered on extra fees while sharing profits with prisons.
- The high cost of prison calls, often $3-$6 for just 15 minutes, places a huge financial burden on families of incarcerated individuals.
- Maintaining communication with loved ones is crucial for the wellbeing and successful reintegration of incarcerated people.
- A growing movement aims to make prison phone calls free by having states cover the costs, based on research showing it improves outcomes.
- Several states like Connecticut have already made prison calls free, leading to a significant increase in call volume while reducing overall costs.
- The FCC is expected to announce national rate caps on prison and jail phone calls in the near future to address the issue.
- Formerly incarcerated individuals like Javon Lumpkin credit affordable communication for maintaining a sense of normalcy and humanity during their sentences.
- Advocates argue that the high cost of prison calls forces families into difficult financial trade-offs between basic needs and staying connected.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I can't imagine the phone being cut off with my son in prison like that would be. I don't know if I would have survived that.“ by Diane Lewis
- “Do you know how hard it is to decide if you want to eat or talk to your son? That's a hell of a decision. Do you want lights or do you want to talk to your son. Now guess what? Now they don't have to make that decision.“ by Diane Lewis
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Episode Information
The Indicator from Planet Money
NPR
6/20/24
Related listening:
The Uncounted Workforce
From Prison to the Workforce
The Prisoner's Solution
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