Free Prison Phone Calls Show Cost Savings, Better Outcomes Nationwide
New research shows free prison communication programs cut costs by more than 60% while strengthening family ties for over 330,000 incarcerated people nationwide.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — More than 330,000 incarcerated people across the United States now have access to free phone calls and communication services, according to a new report that found the policies reduce costs while improving family connections and rehabilitation outcomes.
Worth Rises, a nonprofit that advocates against the prison industry, released findings Tuesday showing that free communication programs cut average costs by 62% for state prison systems and 68% for county jails. The organization examined six prison systems and more than a dozen county jail facilities to assess the impact of eliminating fees for calls, video visits and electronic messaging.
Significant Cost Reductions Documented
The study analyzed prison systems in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and the federal system, along with county jail systems in Los Angeles, New York City and across Massachusetts. Researchers found that facilities achieved substantial savings after negotiating contracts directly with telecommunications providers rather than relying on revenue-sharing agreements that previously drove up costs.
For decades, incarcerated individuals and their families paid steep rates for phone calls through contracts between correctional facilities and private telecom companies. The high costs often limited contact between inmates and their support networks, according to advocates.
Family Connections and Rehabilitation Benefits
Beyond financial savings, the report suggests that free communication services strengthen family relationships and improve conditions inside correctional facilities. Advocates argue that regular contact with loved ones can enhance rehabilitation efforts and reduce the likelihood of reoffending after release.
The shift toward free communication represents a growing trend among state and local governments seeking to reform correctional policies while managing budget constraints. Several jurisdictions have moved to eliminate communication fees as part of broader criminal justice reform initiatives.
The telecommunications industry in correctional facilities has historically generated significant revenue through per-minute charges and connection fees imposed on inmates and their families. The new model requires facilities to pay providers directly rather than allowing companies to collect fees from users.
Implementation Across Multiple Jurisdictions
The Worth Rises analysis included facilities serving hundreds of thousands of incarcerated individuals across various geographic regions and facility types. County jails showed particularly strong cost reductions, with the 68% average decrease reflecting successful contract renegotiations.
State prison systems also demonstrated meaningful savings while expanding access to communication services that previously remained prohibitively expensive for many families. The report’s authors suggest these findings could encourage additional jurisdictions to adopt similar policies.
The study comes as correctional systems nationwide face pressure to reduce costs while improving rehabilitation outcomes and maintaining family connections that research shows can be important for successful reentry into communities after incarceration.
