McCurdy_dh.doc

MIKE MCCURDY, VICE PRESIDENT
FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF IDAHO INMATES
PO BOX 1376
BOISE, ID 83701

October 1, 1999

Mike McCurdy, Vice President
Friends and Family of Idaho Inmates
PO Box 1376
Boise, ID 83701

Re: Inmate Phone Service

Dear Mr. McCurdy:

The Commission has asked me to respond to your letter received September 8, 1999, regarding inmate phone service.

The Commission’s Consumer Assistance Division has received several inquiries regarding the notice attached to your letter. Our investigation regarding this “notice” reveals that the notice was prepared by the Department of Corrections. Upon learning of the notice, the Consumer Staff subsequently advised the Department that the Public Utilities Commission has NOT “given permission for an increase” in the long-distance collect call rates.”

As the case with other locations, the Department of Corrections (as the premise owner) is free to contract with any payphone provider for inmate pay telephone services. It is our understanding that AT&T is the Department’s provider of collect long-distance calls in Idaho and out of state. This Commission does not regulate the rates for out-of-state (interstate) calls. These rates are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. In addition, this Commission does not have regulatory authority over the rates AT&T charges for in-state (intrastate) long-distance calls pursuant to Idaho Code § 62-604(2)(a). Although the Commission does not regulate the rates charged by AT&T (and most other long-distance carriers), AT&T is required to “file with the commission, for information purposes, tariffs or price lists which reflect the availability, price, and terms and conditions” for long-distance services. Idaho Code § 62-606. The reason long-distance carriers are required to file their rates with the Commission (as opposed to “approve” their rates) is so that the Commission Staff may “for information purposes” advise customers whether they have been accurately charged the appropriate rate(s) for telecommunications services. Our review of the AT&T price list indicates that the rates contained in the “notice” are indeed the rates on file with the Commission. See attached price list.

Turning to the $1.95 stated charge for local calls, it is our understanding that the actual rate for a local U S WEST collect call is $1.91. As shown in the attached price lists this rate is the sum of: $1.30 Smart payphone charge + .26 FCC payphone charge + .35 for the local call. This has been communicated to the Department.

The Commission has promulgated pay telephone rules that require specific information be displayed on or near a pay telephone located in an institution of confinement. In particular, Rule 302 (attached) specifies the information that must be available to users of the pay telephone.

I hope this information answers your inquiry.

Sincerely yours,

Tonya Clark, Administrator
Consumer Assistance Division

Enclosure

Vld:L:McCurdy_dh
Mike McCurdy
10/1/1999
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