In April 2025, new federal regulations will go into effect that will significantly change how correctional communication services are priced. These changes, issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aim to reduce the financial burden on incarcerated individuals and their families by limiting the rates charged for phone and video communication.
These new rules apply to all providers in the industry, including companies like JointAccounts, LLC, and will impact both correctional facilities and the individuals they serve. Below is a summary of the key provisions and how JointAccounts is responding to ensure compliance while continuing to support the needs of facilities and their populations.
What the New FCC Rules Include
The FCC’s updated rules focus on making inmate communications more affordable and transparent. Key provisions include:
Reduced Call Rates
Effective April 2025, the FCC will impose new rate caps for correctional communication services:
- Phone Calls: The maximum rate for phone calls from prisons will be capped at $0.06 per minute, and for jails, at $0.09 per minute.
- Video Calls: Interim rate caps will be introduced, limiting video calls to $0.16 per minute in prisons and $0.19 per minute in jails.
New maximum voice and video calling rates in prisons and jails.
| Facility Type | Current phone rate Caps (per minute) | New phone rate caps (per minute) | New video rate caps (per minute) | Effective Date |
| Prisons | $0.14 | $0.06 | $0.16 | Jan. 1, 2025 |
| Large jails (1,000+) | $0.16 | $0.06 | $0.11) | Jan. 1, 2025 |
| Medium jails (350-999) | $0.21 | $0.07 | $0.12 | Apr. 1, 2025 |
| Small jails (100-349) | $0.23 | $0.09 | $0.14 | Apr. 1, 2025 |
| Very small jails (0-99) | $0.21 | $0.12 | $0.25 | Apr. 1, 2025 |
These changes are part of the FCC’s broader initiative to make communication services more accessible and less financially burdensome for inmates and their families. You can read the full announcement and details of the rule changes on the FCC’s Incarcerated People’s Communication Services at this link: https://www.fcc.gov/general/ipcs.
Elimination of Ancillary Fees
The new rules also prohibit providers from charging additional service fees or hidden costs outside of the per-minute rates. This ensures that all charges are clear, predictable, and fair to consumers.
Ban on Site Commissions
The FCC has taken steps to eliminate site commissions—payments made by communication providers to correctional facilities that are not directly tied to the provision of communication services. This measure is intended to prevent inflated rates and ensure that costs are more reflective of the actual service provided.
You can learn more about these rule changes from the official FCC Report and Order issued in July 2024.
How JointAccounts Is Preparing for the Change
At JointAccounts, we recognize that these regulatory changes will impact how correctional facilities manage communication services. We are committed to being a proactive partner to facilities in this transition.
To help facilities stay compliant while continuing to provide secure, reliable services, we have updated our communication product suite to align with the FCC’s directives:
Compliant Communication Solutions
Our updated communication services are designed to meet all rate cap and fee transparency requirements. Facilities can continue to offer secure voice, text, and video communication options without the risk of non-compliance.
Enhanced Monitoring and Reporting Tools
We’ve integrated advanced reporting features that allow facilities to track usage, monitor compliance, and maintain transparency. This ensures that administrators have the tools needed to navigate the changing regulatory landscape with confidence.
Cost-Effective Infrastructure
We have streamlined our infrastructure to eliminate unnecessary costs while preserving the integrity and security of our services. Our solutions are built to remain affordable, efficient, and reliable.
What’s Next
While these new rules bring significant changes to the industry, JointAccounts remains focused on delivering technology-driven solutions that support correctional facility operations and inmate well-being.
If you would like to learn more about how our updated communication products can help your facility comply with these regulations and continue to meet the needs of your population, contact us to schedule a consultation.