Digest

This episode of The Indicator from Planet Money delves into the exorbitant cost of prison phone calls and the movement advocating for their affordability. The episode begins with the story of Diane Lewis, whose son Javan was incarcerated and faced the financial burden of maintaining phone contact with his family. The episode then explains how the cost of prison phone calls skyrocketed despite the overall decline in phone call costs. This is attributed to the emergence of a niche industry that monopolized prison phone services, leveraging security and surveillance as justifications for high prices. The episode also highlights the role of private equity firms in consolidating the industry, leading to the dominance of two companies, Securus and Viapath. The episode then discusses the growing movement to make prison phone calls more affordable, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons' decision to make calls from federal prisons free and the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming announcement of national price caps. The episode concludes by highlighting the positive impact of free prison phone calls on reentry outcomes, citing examples from states like Connecticut, California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Colorado, where such laws have been implemented.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of prison phone calls and the financial burden they place on incarcerated individuals and their families. It features the story of Diane Lewis, whose son Javan was incarcerated and faced the high cost of staying connected with his family.

00:02:55

The Rise of Expensive Prison Phone Calls

This Chapter explores the history of prison phone calls and how their cost has increased significantly over time. It explains how the breakup of AT&T's monopoly led to lower phone call costs in general, but the prison phone industry moved in the opposite direction. The chapter highlights the role of security and surveillance services, profit-sharing agreements with prisons, and the lack of competition in driving up prices.

00:06:38

The Movement for Affordable Prison Phone Calls

This Chapter discusses the growing movement to make prison phone calls more affordable. It highlights the Federal Bureau of Prisons' decision to make calls from federal prisons free and the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming announcement of national price caps. The chapter also explores the advocacy efforts of groups like Worth Rises, which are lobbying for change at the state level.

00:08:39

The Impact of Free Prison Phone Calls

This Chapter examines the positive impact of free prison phone calls on reentry outcomes. It highlights the experiences of Diane Lewis and her son Javan, who benefited from regular phone calls while Javan was incarcerated. The chapter also discusses the research that suggests free prison phone calls can improve reentry outcomes, leading to increased support, housing, employment, and successful reintegration into society.

Keywords

Q&A

• Why are prison phone calls so expensive?

  The high cost of prison phone calls is due to a combination of factors, including the monopoly of a niche industry that provides phone services to prisons, the use of security and surveillance services as justifications for high prices, profit-sharing agreements between prison phone companies and prisons, and the lack of competition in the market.

• What is the growing movement to make prison phone calls more affordable?

  The movement to make prison phone calls more affordable includes efforts to reduce prices, make calls free, and increase transparency in the industry. This movement is driven by advocacy groups, lawmakers, and the recognition of the negative impact of high phone call costs on incarcerated individuals and their families.

• What are the benefits of free prison phone calls?

  Free prison phone calls have been shown to improve reentry outcomes, leading to increased support, housing, employment, and successful reintegration into society. They also help maintain family connections, which can be crucial for the well-being of both incarcerated individuals and their families.

• What are some examples of states that have made prison phone calls free?

  States that have made prison phone calls free include Connecticut, California, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Colorado. These states have implemented laws that either cover the cost of calls entirely or negotiate lower rates with prison phone companies.

• What is the role of private equity in the prison phone industry?

  Private equity firms have played a significant role in consolidating the prison phone industry, leading to higher prices and reduced competition. They have invested money to grow existing companies and acquire competitors, resulting in the dominance of a few major players.

Show Notes