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Michigan Department of Corrections Announces Inmate Calling Rate Reduction and Fee Elimination

Contact: Chris Gautz, (517) 241-0363

GautzC@Michigan.gov

 

Michigan Department of Corrections Announces Inmate Calling Rate Reduction and Fee Elimination

Contract with Reston, VA-based company aims to allow inmates and loved ones to connect more frequently

 

Lansing, Mich. –Michigan Department of Corrections prisoners and their families will pay less for phone calls following contract negotiations with telecommunications provider, GTL.

The contract will reduce phone call rates from 20 cents per minute for prepaid calls, 21 cents per minute for debit calls, and 25 cents per minute for collect calls, to 16 cents per minute for all phone calls.

The reduced rates, which will go into effect on Oct. 8, are expected to save prisoners and their friends and family nearly $7.5 million a year.

The contract also eliminates a $3 automated payment transaction fee that applies to deposits into prepaid accounts, leading to $3 million in additional annual savings for prisoners and their loved ones.

The cost reductions were negotiated to encourage prisoners to connect more frequently with loved ones, who can serve as a vital source of positive support.

“Keeping prisoners connected with their friends and family members while incarcerated is a key factor in determining their future success and reducing their risk of re-offense,” said Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington. “We hope this rate reduction and fee elimination will help strengthen ties between prisoners and their support systems, leading to better lives and safer communities.”

GTL, a Reston, VA-based company, has been the MDOC’s prisoner phone provider since 2010 and its payment-services provider since 2017.

“We are excited to continue our collaborative partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections,” said GTL Executive Vice President of Business Development Jon Walker. “Through this contract, we were able to make it easier for inmates and their loved ones to stay connected during a difficult time and work toward our common goal of reducing recidivism and improving re-entry services.”