FCC Reviews Paperwork for Companies Serving People Behind Bars
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is updating its paperwork rules for companies that provide phone services to people in jail. They want to make sure the info collected is useful, clear, and not too hard to fill out—especially for small businesses. If you’re involved, get ready to share your thoughts by August 24, 2026, so the process stays smooth and fair!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
One‑Time 2026 IPCS Data Collection
The FCC proposes a one-time 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for companies that provide incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). The request covers 30 respondents, uses FCC Form 2303(a) and 2303(b), must be filed electronically, and is estimated to take 165 hours per response (4,950 total annual burden hours).
Audited 2025 Financials and Certification Required
IPCS providers would be required to submit an audited financial statement or report for calendar year 2025 plus a signed certification of truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness as part of the 2026 data collection. These materials must accompany the Form 2303 submissions.
Data Collection to Enable Permanent IPCS Rate Caps
The FCC says this data collection is intended to give it the data needed to set permanent rate caps for both audio and video incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). The collection will inform future decisions about permanent IPCS rate caps.
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Key Dates
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