FCC Ponders Fees in Prison Call Rate Overhaul
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is working on setting permanent price limits for phone and video calls for people in jail to keep costs fair and reasonable. They want to make sure facilities get paid fairly for providing these services, and they’re asking for public input by early 2026. This could affect how much families pay to stay connected and when new rules take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Proposal to Set Permanent Audio Rate Caps
The FCC is asking whether to adopt permanent per-minute price caps for audio inmate calling and is seeking data and comment to make those caps "just, reasonable, and fairly compensatory." The Commission adopted interim audio caps and notes it revised IPCS annual reporting on January 8, 2025 and received the first revised Annual Reports (including video data) on November 3, 2025 to inform any permanent decision.
Proposal to Set Permanent Video Rate Caps
The FCC proposes to adopt permanent per-minute price caps for video inmate calling services and requests detailed data on video market costs, demand, revenues, deployment, and how video IPCS shares costs with nonregulated video services. The FNPRM notes the video market is nascent and asks when commenters expect the market to mature enough to allow reliable permanent caps.
Proposed Continued Ban on Ancillary Fees
The FCC proposes to retain its prohibition on ancillary service charges (like automated payment fees and third-party financial transaction fees) and asks for comment on that decision and on HomeWAV's request to reinstate automated payment fees and third-party fees. The FNPRM notes the Commission previously found providers incurred an average ancillary-services cost of $0.011 per minute and that earlier fee caps had been $3.00 for automated payment fees and $5.95 for third-party transaction fees.
Site Commissions: Prohibition and Alternatives
The FCC proposes to retain the prohibition on site commission payments from IPCS providers to facilities and seeks comment on whether an industry-wide per-minute facility additive could replace the need for site commissions or whether, if site commissions were allowed, they should be capped or limited. The FNPRM also asks whether any site commissions in excess of a facility cost additive should remain prohibited.
Facility Cost Additive: $0.02 Interim Proposal
The FCC adopted a uniform interim rate additive of up to $0.02 per minute for audio and video IPCS to recover correctional facility costs and seeks comment on making that additive permanent or varying it by facility type and size. One limited survey cited reported an average facility cost of $0.08 per minute (30 facilities), which the Commission did not rely on when adopting the $0.02 interim additive.
Regulation When Facilities Pay (Agency-Paid Model)
The FCC seeks comment on how its IPCS rules should apply when correctional institutions, rather than individual callers, pay for IPCS (the "agency-paid model"), including that institutions may buy services using alternative units (e.g., ADP) instead of per-minute rates. The FNPRM asks whether the Martha Wright-Reed Act and the Communications Act give the Commission authority to regulate rates and conditions when an intermediary pays for IPCS on behalf of retail users.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-20005, Renewal of the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee
The FCC is renewing the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee (CPAAC) for two more years because it helps protect consumers and improve access for people with disabilities. This committee advises on new communication technologies and their impact, making sure everyone benefits. No big budget changes were mentioned, so it’s business as usual with a focus on keeping consumer voices heard.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22106, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for many Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes to fix issues with certain galley parts. This update changes the list of affected parts and keeps important inspections and fixes in place to keep flights safe. Airlines need to check these parts soon, and the FAA wants feedback by January 20, 2026.
Next: 2025-22162, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus Helicopters models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, or SA330J, listen up! The FAA found cracks in the tail rotor parts caused by worn-out bearings and wants to shorten how long these parts can be used before swapping them out. You’ll need to replace these bearings sooner than before to keep flying safe, and you can’t put old or unchecked bearings back on. Comments on this plan are open until January 22, 2026.