HRDC Asks Why GTL Seeks Waiver From ICS Rule It Has Implemented
The Human Rights Defense Center asked why Global Tel*Link is seeking a waiver to FCC inmate calling service rule changes that it already has implemented. The HRDC noted a GTL release Monday that said it "completed implementation of rate and…
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fee changes" under the rules that took effect the same day, and commended its law enforcement and correctional facility customers for helping to ensure compliance. "This document begs the question of why GTL has expended so much in the way of public and private resources in pursuing what is clearly an unnecessary waiver request and why they haven’t moved to withdraw the petition," said an HRDC filing Wednesday in docket 12-375. "If they have completed implementation of the FCC rates why are they seeking a waiver if not to be able to continue gouging the public and exploiting the poor as they have for decades?" GTL didn't comment Thursday. GTL's waiver petition asked the FCC for 90 extra days to implement two rules: 64.6080, barring providers from imposing per-call or per-connection charges on ICS consumers, and 64.6090, barring providers from offering flat-rate ICS calling. GTL said it needed more time to complete contract talks with its correctional facility customers and to seek relief at the state level on "intrastate ICS rate cap regimes that will result in confiscatory rates once the per-call surcharge or flat-rate calling component is removed."