Prisoners Pay $13 for Video Calls and $25 for Movies via Tablets

The introduction of tablets in prisons and jails across the country has sparked significant discussion and controversy. These devices, often encased in bulky, screw-on plastic cases, offer incarcerated individuals limited online access, allowing them to make calls, send messages, and watch movies directly from their cells. While this technology appears to enhance the quality of life for prisoners by providing communication and entertainment options, it also presents a new revenue stream for prison telecommunication companies and correctional facilities at a time when profits from traditional phone calls are declining due to regulatory changes.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to slash the rates and fees that companies can charge for phone and video calls in prisons and jails. These new rules, which are set to take effect next year, also prohibit the previously common practice of site commissions, where correctional facilities or agencies received a portion of the revenue generated from these calls. This change will significantly reduce the cost of communication for incarcerated individuals and their families, saving them an estimated $386 million annually. For instance, the cost of a 15-minute phone call at large jails, which could previously exceed $11, will be capped at just 90 cents.

However, while the FCC's decision represents a major victory for prison reform advocates, it only regulates voice and video calls, whether made through traditional wall phones or the new tablets. Other services available on these tablets, such as e-messaging, music, ebooks, and movies, remain unregulated, and the costs of these services can be prohibitively high for prisoners, many of whom have little to no income. For example, in some facilities, a 20-minute video call can cost as much as $12.99, and sending a single text message via the tablet’s e-messaging service can require a 50-cent "stamp," with additional charges for attachments. These fees can add up quickly, leading to accusations that the tablet programs are exploitative.

Critics argue that these tablet programs, like the phone services that preceded them, create a monopoly situation where prisoners have no choice but to use the services offered by the selected provider. Companies such as Securus Technologies and ViaPath Technologies, which dominate the prison telecom market, secure these monopolies through bidding processes held by correctional facilities. Once a contract is in place, incarcerated individuals have no alternative providers to turn to, effectively forcing them to pay whatever fees are set.

The impact of these costs is deeply felt by prisoners like Tray Proch, who served a sentence in Michigan's St. Clair County Jail. With in-person visits banned and physical mail restricted due to contraband concerns, Proch relied heavily on the jail-issued tablet to stay connected with his family. However, he found the associated costs to be extortionate, particularly for someone with limited financial resources. Despite the new FCC rules, which will soon reduce the price of phone and video calls at St. Clair County Jail, the cost of sending a text or watching a movie on the tablet is unlikely to change, leaving prisoners like Proch with significant financial burdens.

Moreover, while correctional facilities argue that the funds generated from these tablet programs are necessary to cover the costs of security and other services, the profit motives of the telecom companies remain a point of contention. Both Securus and ViaPath have been criticized for their debt-heavy business models, which are tied to private equity ownership and have led to downgrades in their debt ratings by agencies like S&P Global. These financial pressures may drive the companies to maximize revenue from their tablet programs, further exacerbating the financial strain on incarcerated individuals.

In some jurisdictions, there is a pushback against the high costs associated with tablet programs. For example, San Francisco has introduced a tablet program that provides free educational and entertainment content, funded by the city’s library system. This approach is seen as a more equitable solution, particularly in light of the financial struggles faced by many incarcerated individuals. David Thornton, a prisoner in San Francisco County Jail, praised the program for its positive impact on mental health, highlighting the importance of making these resources accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation.

In summary, while the introduction of tablets in prisons and jails offers potential benefits in terms of communication and access to digital services, it also raises significant ethical and financial concerns. The high costs associated with tablet usage, coupled with the monopolistic nature of the contracts held by telecom companies, have led to accusations of exploitation. As the FCC’s new rules take effect and the landscape of prison telecommunications continues to evolve, the balance between providing valuable services and ensuring fair treatment for incarcerated individuals remains a critical issue.