I'm not sure if anyone is aware, but Verizon has bought MCI. How long does family members and loved ones have to live with this monopoly? It seems like there is no other way for NY residents to pay less and choose whomever they want as there service provider. It is insane how calls get blocked when a loved one calls you or gets terminated. Therefore, any new customer who wishes to receive phone calls from a loved one has to first enroll with Verizon. MCI is just providing NY State residents just collect calls for Correctional Facility Services. ONLY! There is no service plans or anything that MCI has in there website. However, I'm a bit in doubt and wish for anyone who reads this to give me your insight and opinion. Questions is, Could it be possible that if you just have Verizon can a loved one still call you collect? In other words, do you really need MCI just to receive a call from someone who is incarcerated? Can your loved one just call you collect now, because Verizon is the one operating MCI? The reason why I'm asking is because, I'm having such a difficult time trying to get answers from someone. Honestly, Verizon representatives all they say is call MCI. When you call MCI all they tell you is, you have to contact the Correctional Facility Department at MCI. Finally, when you do so, no one either answers or you have to go through so much questions just to assist you. I am aware that MCI is no longer providing services to NY. They are just giving a small part of theirs by still running the collect call services. Can anyone please offer there suggestions, insights, or help. I would really appreciate.:angry: :angry: :angry:

I'm as confused as you. I have verizon as my residential provider, I was told I had to set up a account with MCI first before I receive any calls. I called a few times to be told that a call attempt wasn't placed yet. I understood why because my boyfriend was still at VBC. Than yesterday he was transferred to Ulster, so I called MCI last night, the REP said I had a block on my phone and to call back verizon, I did that, verizon said I didnt have a block. I called back when the lady tried to verify my information she said I gave the wrong address, impossible for me to do so. She then went to say that I had to fax my photo ID, and have verizon to fax a letter stating my address. I got frustrated with this lady and hung up on her. I waited about ten minutes till I calmed down and called back. The next person I spoke said my correct address was in the system and I had a choice I could do prepaid with MCI or just accept the calls collect and get billed through my long distance through verizon. She said that I had to call them when I pay my long distanced charges so they know or they would put a block on my calls. She also said that I had to wait 3-5 days for my phone to allow the calls and another 48 hours for the calls to come through.... arghhh but then low and behold my boyfriend called me tonight and got through. So really I came to the conclusion that MCI does not know what the heck they are doing!!!!!!

Jewel

At the present time the only way anyone can recieve a call from a NY Correctional Facility is through MCI/Verizon. They hold the exclusive contract with NYDOC. There is no other way to recieve calls, and they are all on a collect call system. NYDOC recieves 57% of the profits collected by MCI/Verizon and claim those profits are used for AIDES Drugs, Family Reunion Programs, the Free Bus Programs and other programs.
However a comprehensive list of just where the profits are spent has never been forthcoming.

At the present time there is a bill in the NY Assembly to reduce costs to those recieving calls from a NY facility.

Senator Aubry is the sponsor of NY-AB 7231 By Aubry. Provides inmates with telephone services utilizing
a debit card system and reasonable collect call system rates. - Set on
the Assembly Debate List for 06/05/06

Write your assembly representatives and when the bill reaches the Senate write your Senator or Senators telling them you want them to support this bill.

well mine is in Shawangunk and i live in Ga MCI has total control here as well, i really don't think there is a way around them (mci), also does anyone know about any hotels near Shawangunk C.F.???

Ladies: we all feel your pain. this thread discusses everything about MCI--including the phone numbers to call and set up an account.
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=639

just open the MCI and phone threads-it is all there!

princess I go every week to visit my hubby at shawangunk and know all about the hotels in the area. I stay at several on rt 208 that are the best..87 is queiter though and cheaper. PM me if you want more info.