Arkansas jail cancels inmate phone calls rather than comply with FCC rate cuts

In Baxter County, Arkansas, Sheriff John Montgomery has announced the cessation of all inmate phone calls effective March 30, 2025. This drastic measure comes in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s directive requiring smaller jails to lower the exorbitant rates charged for inmate communications. Currently, a 15-minute call can cost up to $12.10, a price deemed unsustainable due to increased security measures and site commission payments previously imposed on vendors. Montgomery, frustrated by the FCC's ultimatum, argues that the regulations make it financially infeasible for jails like his to offer telephone communication to inmates. Although Montgomery acknowledges that this decision will create difficulties for families of the incarcerated, he places the blame squarely on federal mandates. The FCC's recent actions aim to make inmate phone call services more affordable and accessible by slashing fees and eliminating additional charges that contribute to high costs. Nonetheless, sheriffs and local administrations have expressed their unwillingness to shoulder the pressure of these new regulations, viewing the regulatory push as governmental overreach that disregards their budgetary constraints. To compensate for the halted phone calls, Montgomery plans to increase in-person visitation hours at the jail, though this change may not fully offset the loss of affordable phone access. The Sheriff’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between federal authorities and local jails, where the priority of profit often eclipses the need for humane communication options for inmates. The notion of profitable incarceration continues to spark debate, raising questions about the ethical implications of financially servicing prison populations. This incident is part of a larger trend where many jail administrations grapple with balancing compliance with new regulations while maintaining operational viability. As the FCC prepares to shift towards more conservative regulatory practices, the exit of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks from the commission is anticipated to bolster efforts to repeal many existing telecom regulations. As the future direction of FCC policy comes into sharper focus, it's clear that the repercussions will manifest on the ground in jails and for the families grappling with their new realities as telephone communications become increasingly restricted.