Solutions 2020 Call to Action Plan ) ) ) Public
Before The FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In re: ) ) Public Notice #342689 #Solutions 2020 Call to Action Plan ) COMMENTS ON DRAFT #SOLUTIONS2020 ACTION PLAN The Wright Petitioners,1 Prison Policy Initiative, New Jersey Advocates for Immigrant Detainees, and United Church of Christ, OC Inc. (collectively, the "ICS Advocates"), hereby respond to the above-referenced Public Notice and submit these Comments on the Draft #Solutions2020 Action Plan released on December 19, 2016 (the "Action Plan"). While the Public Notice sought comment on a number of issues discussed in the Action Plan, these comments are limited to those raised therein regarding the Comprehensive Reform of Inmate Calling Services ("ICS"). In particular, the ICS Advocates have long-supported the Action Plan's call for the development of "real competition" and "reasonable rates in ICS and video visitation services," as well as the abolishment of "kickbacks to correctional facilities."2 Moreover, the ICS Advocates applaud the Action Plan's recognition that any rule changes adopted with regard to contraband cell phones should be mindful of the imposition of additional costs on inmates and their families. 1 The Wright Petitioners are: Dorothy Wade, Annette Wade, Ethel Peoples, Laurie Nelson, Winston Bliss, Sheila Taylor, Katharine Goray, Ulandis Forte, Charles Wade, Earl Peoples, Darrell Nelson, Melvin Taylor, Jackie Lucas, Peter Bliss, David Hernandez, Lisa Hernandez, Vendella F. Oura, along with The D.C. Prisoners’ Legal Services Project, and Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants. Martha Wright, the grandmother of Ulandis Forte, passed away on January 18, 2015. 2 See Action Plan, pg. 2. 1 87383168.1 As set forth below, the ICS Advocates are supplying information regarding the current state of the ICS industry with respect to the rates charged by ICS providers.
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