Global Tel Link asked the Massachusetts Department of...
Global Tel Link asked the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) on Friday to put its prison calling rate reforms on hold “pending resolution of similar matters before” the FCC (http://1.usa.gov/H6MZjb). The order (CD Sept 30 p9) establishes rate…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
caps and safe harbors for interstate inmate calling services (ICS) and it also included a further NPRM for “further and permanent reforms” on interstate ICS rates, as well as intrastate ICS rate reforms, said GTL. Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts, which made an initial filing on ICS reforms in 2009, argued that FCC action was needed for ICS rates “to provide national leadership for state regulatory agencies in Massachusetts,” said GTL. The ICS company said PLS has emphasized that the FCC’s ultimate actions regarding ICS rates and services are “important and influential to the Department’s view of these same issues.” The recent appeal by PLS (CD Oct 21 p12) is based on data submitted from the FCC’s ongoing ICS rates proceeding, and it argues for the DTC to follow the FCC’s lead, said GTL. If the DTC were to act on ICS rate reforms, it could “run the risk of adopting rules governing ICS that subsequently may be deemed inconsistent with the FCC’s determinations,” said GTL.