I've got a copy of the article from a friend who's in a private prison in NM:

The lawsuit alleges that prison and jail operators conspired with the phone companies to establish monopolies over collect call services that constitute racketeering and unfair trade practices and that violate New Mexico's anti-trust laws.

I was going to place the article here, but it's unreadable when I scan it.

can anyone tell me why are the phone bills are so high when they call us?

Great! About time we fought back. Fight fire with fire and a law suit is the way to do it.

I agree...it's ridiculous what the phone companies charge us to be able to keep in touch with our loved ones!
My phone calls cost me a ton because it's considered long distance from where I live to where EJ is at. Out of state calls are actually CHEAPER, go figure....

D

the guy who sent me this article started a trial against the state and the prison for discrimination, and demanded 14 million dollar. as soon as they found that out, they started to act normal. sometimes only the treat can do the trick.

Hmm...maybe I should try something like that! Think it might work??
I have given the blasted phone company a whole load of money over the past year & I have 2 more to go! All because I love my man & we want to keep in touch!!

D

Sexesweet - from everything that I have heard, the reason that the calls are so expensive is because the prison gets a kickback from the long distance carrier for each call made. I know here in Florida, the calls are (for me anyway) $5.32 for 15 minutes.

Instead of taking the lowest bid TN corrections takes the highest bid with the most kick back and doesn't even bother to hide it. Last year they made over 3 Million offf the backs of families and friends.
Last curenational.org started a national campaign to fight this and we will do more this year. A number of lawsuits were filed and settled. Legislator's changed laws and in some states lowered rates. Here in TN we have a Regulatory Authority who governs instate calls and the max they are allowed to charge... It's an ongoing battle. If all 16 million Americans touched by incarceration/ parole/ probation would come together as one voice I can promise you there would be big changes... this hasn't happened yet but I do believe in miracles.... and of course MCI is in some serious trouble now and last year in a number of different states lawsuits were filed against them I understand that the settlement out in CA was quite large... we continue the fight. If you want more information please go to curenational.org site and click the telephone for the latest ... as ever, P