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Jail Calls Are Expensive: 2025 Guide to Prison Phone Rates and FCC Reforms

Published on March 21, 2025, by InmateAid

Table of Contents

Introduction

For decades, the cost of making a phone call from jail or prison has been disproportionately high, turning a basic right to family connection into a financial hardship for millions of American households. Unlike free-world telecommunications, where competition drives down prices and consumer protections are in place, incarcerated individuals and their families have long been at the mercy of monopolized correctional telecom contracts. In many facilities, a single 15-minute call could cost more than a full day’s wages for a minimum-wage worker—particularly burdensome when calls are the only consistent way for families to maintain contact due to distance, health restrictions, or rigid visitation rules.

The root of the issue lies in exclusive contracts between correctional facilities and telecom providers like ViaPath (formerly GTL), Securus Technologies, and ICSolutions. These companies often secure the right to be the sole service provider in a jail or prison, offering the facility a percentage of call revenue—known as “site commissions”—in return. These commissions can account for up to 65% of the call revenue, giving facilities a financial incentive to choose the highest bidder rather than the most affordable service for inmates and their families.

This setup transforms phone access into a revenue stream for jails and prisons, often at the expense of incarcerated people’s emotional well-being and their families' financial stability. For single-parent households, grandparents raising grandchildren, or families already living below the poverty line, the cost of staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one becomes unsustainable. Over time, many are forced to reduce the frequency of calls, ration conversations, or lose contact altogether—severing crucial ties that are known to support successful rehabilitation and reentry.

Here’s what families need to know about current prison phone rates, the latest reforms, and what lies ahead.

The Cost of Connection: Why Jail Calls Have Been So Expensive

For decades, phone calls from jails and prisons have come with a disproportionately high price tag, creating a barrier to communication between incarcerated individuals and their families. These inflated rates are not accidental; they are the result of a privatized correctional telecommunications industry where profits have historically been prioritized over people.

The issue stems from the way contracts are awarded within correctional systems. Rather than selecting service providers based on the affordability or quality of service for families, many correctional facilities partner with telecom companies like ViaPath (formerly GTL), Securus Technologies, and ICSolutions based on the financial incentives offered. These companies frequently agree to pay commissions or kickbacks—a percentage of their revenue—to the correctional facility in exchange for exclusive access to its inmate phone services. These commissions can range from 20% to as high as 94% of call revenue, creating a perverse incentive for facilities to choose the highest bidder rather than the most cost-effective option.

As a result, the cost of a single 15-minute phone call has historically ranged from a modest $0.93 in some states to an outrageous $11.35 or more in others—especially in small, rural jails with limited oversight. In many cases, the actual per-minute rate is just one part of the total cost; families have also been subject to ancillary fees such as charges for opening an account, depositing funds, or speaking with customer service. These fees can easily add up to more than the cost of the calls themselves.

This system has disproportionately harmed low-income families and communities of color—groups already overrepresented in the criminal justice system. With roughly 2.2 million people incarcerated across the U.S. and millions more impacted through familial ties, the high cost of communication has created a financial crisis hidden in plain sight. Parents struggle to speak with their children. Spouses strain to maintain relationships. Entire family units are destabilized—not by the criminal act itself, but by the inability to afford the price of staying in touch.

Despite growing public awareness and bipartisan condemnation of these practices, comprehensive reform has been slow to arrive—until now. In 2025, new federal regulations are finally disrupting this cycle and offering relief to the families who have borne these costs for far too long.

FCC Steps In: New Rate Caps in 2025

After years of advocacy from criminal justice reform groups, lawmakers, and directly impacted families, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken decisive action to address the exorbitant costs of inmate phone calls. Beginning January 1, 2025, a landmark set of regulatory changes has gone into effect, establishing strict per-minute rate caps for all voice calls made from jails and prisons nationwide. These new rules represent one of the most significant federal interventions in the history of correctional telecommunications.

For too long, a patchwork of local contracts and unregulated price structures led to enormous disparities in call pricing. An inmate in one state could make a 15-minute call for under a dollar, while another person just a few counties over might pay more than ten times that amount. The FCC’s new rules, passed in response to this uneven and exploitative system, finally bring consistency and transparency to inmate phone rates.

The 2025 rate structure is based on the size of the correctional facility, which tends to correlate with operational cost and population density. The FCC established the following per-minute rate caps:

  • $0.06 per minute for prisons and large jails housing 1,000 or more inmates
  • $0.07 per minute for medium-sized jails with 350 to 999 inmates
  • $0.09 per minute for small jails housing 100 to 349 inmates
  • $0.12 per minute for very small jails with fewer than 100 inmates

To put this into perspective, a 15-minute call that previously cost $5 to $15—depending on the jail or service provider—now ranges from $0.90 to $1.80 under the new caps. For many families making regular calls each week or even daily, this change translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

The FCC’s order also mandates that these rates apply uniformly to both in-state and out-of-state calls, closing a loophole that allowed companies to charge more for interstate communication. In the past, interstate calls were sometimes subjected to higher fees, even if the physical distance between the inmate and their family was minimal. By eliminating this discrepancy, the FCC ensures that all phone calls—regardless of destination—are treated equally and fairly.

Eliminating Hidden Fees and Service Charges

While high per-minute rates were the most visible aspect of the cost burden placed on families, they were far from the only problem. Over the years, a wide array of hidden service charges and manipulative fee structures have quietly inflated the cost of staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one. In many cases, families who thought they were paying just a few cents per minute for a phone call ended up spending much more due to administrative add-ons, account requirements, and nonrefundable deposits.

Recognizing the cumulative financial harm of these practices, the FCC’s 2025 reforms go beyond simply capping call rates. The new regulations also prohibit or strictly limit a wide range of ancillary service fees, which have historically been used to squeeze extra profit from vulnerable consumers. These hidden fees often lacked transparency and provided no actual benefit to the caller or recipient.

Some of the most common service charges now restricted or eliminated under the new rules include:

  • Account Setup Fees: Previously, some providers charged $3 to $5 just to open a prepaid phone account—effectively charging families before any calls were even made.

  • Deposit and Funding Fees: Fees for adding money to an inmate’s phone account, whether online, over the phone, or through kiosks, often included steep surcharges of 10–20% or flat-rate charges up to $6 per transaction.

  • Live Agent or Customer Service Fees: In some systems, simply speaking to a representative to resolve a billing issue could incur additional charges—creating a financial penalty for trying to understand your account.

  • Inactivity or Refund Penalties: Families who stopped using an account for a short time, or whose incarcerated loved one was released, often lost their remaining balance due to inactivity fees or were charged to receive a refund.

  • Voicemail and Messaging Access Fees: Some facilities allowed families to leave recorded messages or send brief text-style communications, but these features often came at a premium—sometimes $1 or more per use.

These fees were not incidental. In many cases, they doubled or tripled the true cost of staying connected, particularly for families making small, frequent deposits or those trying to budget calls across several weeks.

With the new FCC mandates, such fees are now either completely banned or subject to stringent limitations, depending on their nature. Providers must disclose any allowable fees, ensure they are cost-based rather than profit-driven, and eliminate all unnecessary charges. The intent is to create a pricing structure that reflects actual service costs, rather than exploiting a captive market.

What Families Should Still Watch Out For

While the FCC’s 2025 regulations have brought much-needed relief, families supporting incarcerated loved ones must remain vigilant. Despite the new caps and fee restrictions, the prison telecom industry is still run by private companies whose profit models may shift in response to the tighter regulations. As a result, some potential pitfalls and hidden costs may persist—particularly in areas that remain lightly regulated or outside the scope of the FCC's jurisdiction.

One of the most important things families should continue to monitor is the choice of service provider used by the facility. Although the FCC has capped phone call rates and restricted many fees, video calls, text messaging services, email-like platforms, and digital tablet features are often priced separately—and these services remain largely unregulated. Many jails now partner with providers like ViaPath (GTL), Securus, or Smart Communications to offer these modern communication tools, but the convenience comes at a cost. A 20-minute video call might cost $5 to $12, while sending a short message or viewing a photo could still carry per-use charges.

Additionally, many facilities now issue personal tablets to inmates. While these devices allow access to messaging, educational content, and virtual visitation, they are also part of a pay-to-play ecosystem. Families may find themselves paying to rent movie content, download eBooks, or even access basic programming. In some systems, charges as high as $25 for a movie or $13 for a video call have been reported. The FCC’s voice call regulations do not currently apply to these non-voice services.

Another concern lies in account management and fund storage. Though ancillary fees have been limited, third-party vendors sometimes find ways to introduce optional services or bundled plans that mimic old practices. For example, a company might offer "premium support" or "faster deposits" for a small fee—technically optional, but often presented in a way that nudges families into paying more. Always look for a direct deposit option through the provider's official channels and avoid third-party resellers when possible.

Refund policies are another area where families need to exercise caution. If an inmate is transferred to a new facility with a different service provider, the existing phone account may no longer be usable. While some companies allow for easy refunds, others may make the process slow or cumbersome, deducting service fees or leaving small balances unrecoverable. It's critical to request account refunds immediately upon a transfer or release to avoid losing funds.

Lastly, families should be alert to noncompliant behavior by facilities or vendors. While the FCC’s new rules are legally binding, not all facilities may fully comply, especially early in the rollout phase. If families see inconsistencies in billing or continue to face excessive charges, they should document everything—screenshots, receipts, and call logs—and submit complaints directly to the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Persistent advocacy can help ensure full enforcement and protect others from similar practices.

In short, while 2025 has ushered in a more equitable era for prison phone communication, families must continue to educate themselves, monitor their accounts, and remain cautious of emerging workarounds. Knowing your rights—and the rules that now protect you—can make a significant difference in managing costs and maintaining stable lines of communication.

In late 2024, a coalition of attorneys general from 14 states filed a lawsuit against the FCC, challenging its authority to regulate phone rates within state-run correctional facilities. They argue that the FCC overstepped its jurisdiction and that the loss of revenue could negatively impact jail operations.

While the legal outcome is still pending, the 2025 rate caps remain in effect unless overturned by a court order. Families should continue to benefit from these reductions unless or until legal rulings change the landscape.

State-Specific Impacts: A Closer Look at Florida, Texas, and California

Florida: Previously charged around $2.80 for a 15-minute in-state call, but under the FCC's 2025 caps, that call is now $0.90 in state prisons. This offers substantial relief to Florida families who often relied on weekly or daily contact with incarcerated relatives.

Texas: Known for high county jail rates, some of which exceeded $10 per call in smaller facilities. The $0.09–$0.12 per minute limit now dramatically reduces costs, especially in rural counties.

California: A progressive leader in this space, California had already mandated free phone calls in state prisons. However, many local jails still charged steep rates. The FCC’s ruling brings uniformity to those facilities, benefitting families at the county level.

Why These Changes Matter

Studies consistently show that incarcerated individuals who maintain contact with their families are less likely to re-offend. Communication:

  • Supports mental health
  • Reinforces family bonds
  • Helps parents stay engaged in their children’s lives
  • Encourages smoother reentry into society

Making communication affordable isn’t just a personal victory for families—it’s a public safety investment.

How to Make the Most of the New Rules

If you have a loved one in jail or prison, here’s how to take advantage of the 2025 reforms:

  1. Verify the Facility’s Phone Provider – Call the jail or search their website for the official phone service provider and confirm current rates.
  2. Set Up a Direct Pay Account – Avoid third-party vendors who may still charge fees.
  3. Use Scheduled Calling – Coordinate set times for calls to avoid surprise charges or missed connections.
  4. Monitor Your Statements – Track all charges and flag discrepancies.
  5. Advocate Locally – If your facility isn’t in compliance, contact the FCC or local correctional oversight agencies.

Conclusion: Hope for Families, Accountability for Providers

The fight for affordable prison communication has been long and hard-won. With the FCC's 2025 reforms in place, families finally have some breathing room when it comes to staying connected with loved ones behind bars. While challenges remain, particularly in the courts, the trend is clear: prison profiteering through phone calls is on its way out.

Families can now focus less on the cost—and more on the conversation.

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