Collect calls Due to Discontinue

Veronica · #1 06-17-2002, 08:41 PM

Hi I couldn't find the phone call forum where this is being discussed so I am posting it here.

Cliff called me today saying there was a memo next to the public phone at San Quentin addressed to the inmates. It was notifying them that as of June 24, 2002 there would be no more out going collect calls to those whose families did not subscribe to the MCI Worldcom plan. In other words, if their family didn't have an MCI agreement with their phone company, the inmates' calls would not go thru. We all know this is just plain unfair. Not only did MCI get $80 million dollars in collect call fees, but the CDC got $23 million out of it. This is clearly a scam to get money with out concern for anyone. Just because it's inmates we're talking about, it doesn't matter.

Anyone hear anything about this? Let me know where this is being discussed, or move this post to that forum. Thanks.

Veronica · #2 06-17-2002, 09:25 PM

Hi I posted this in the California, USA Forum also.

Cliff called me today saying there was a memo next to the public phone at San Quentin addressed to the inmates.

It was notifying them that as of June 24, 2002 there would be no more out going collect calls to those whose families did not subscribe to the MCI Worldcom plan. In other words, if their family didn't have an MCI agreement with their phone company, the inmates' calls would not go thru. We all know this is just plain unfair. Not only did MCI get $80 million dollars in collect call fees, but the CDC got $23 million out of it. This is clearly a scam to get money with out concern for anyone. Just because it's inmates we're talking about, it doesn't matter.

Anyone hear anything about this?
Thanks.

CARLAxoxoxTODD · #3 06-17-2002, 10:27 PM

That's a civil suit in the making... hmmmm.... wonder if MCI ever heard of the legalities against monopoly. And No! I'm not talking about the game.

I guess they are paying too much attention to Bill Gates/Microsoft court battle.

RD'sWife · #4 06-17-2002, 11:31 PM

My husband has not said one word about this and I just saw him yesterday. I will ask him when he calls tomorrow. I can't imagine that this is legal, but nothing surprises me with the CDC!!

soraya · #5 06-18-2002, 02:42 AM

how can this possibly be legal??? aren't people gonna fight this

by the way, I'll move it to the right place for you, Veronica

DJohnson · #6 06-18-2002, 09:20 AM

Very interesting Veronica...that can't be legal!!
MCI is making these people that arent' subscribed w/their service have to redo everything & possibly change whatever BETTER service they had to theirs. I had MCI & I didn't really like it!

Hmm...I think I smell a lawsuit!

Cameo · #7 06-18-2002, 04:55 PM

Well I just read these interesting posts on MCI....Since my guy has been transferred to Virginia (from Massachusetts)...I've not been happy with the $ 9.40 for 15 minute calls...But after some 'work' I just received a $142.18 credit from MCI...Here's what I did...
I called MCI customer service and asked what the current contracted rate was for interstate collect calls from a correctional facility in Virginia to Connecticut. They gave me a much lower cost than what I was charged...Now if they put you with a customer service that directly deals with correctional facilities, I probably would not have received the credit. I don't think regular MCI customer service knows how to look for the contracted rate...they just gave me the regular collect call charges. This may be a one time deal, but it sure helped!! If there is enough interest...I can post the MCI numbers...but I recommend anyone with MCI, Sprint, AT &T etc. call and ask what the CURRENT CONTRACTED rate is...and compare it to your bill...You may get lucky!!
PAM

vnvdvc · #8 06-18-2002, 05:13 PM

We would all be willing to try anything to alleviate the high rates we are stuck with! You can't post those MCI #'s fast enough! Maybe it will work for some and not others but it is definately something to look into, and thank you for the info!

RD'sWife · #9 06-18-2002, 11:39 PM

My husband called tonight and I asked if he had heard anything about this. He said that he hadn't but that he'll ask around. There is no way that we are going to let this one slide! Count me in on any actions needed to stop MCI from doing this. The State of California makes so much money on these collect calls ($35,000,000.00 to the general fund last year) that I'm sure that they will get a huge kickback from everyone switching to MCI. Believe me, MCI is not the only one that will make money off of this!

Veronica · #10 06-19-2002, 12:24 AM

It's all true. Every word. I don't think we can do anything about it. MCI, as well as Ma Bell and AT&T all bid for the contract. And yes, it means you have to switch if your current phone company doesn't have a deal with MCI Worldnet for collect calls for prisons. Anyone who finds info on any lawsuits pending on this, I would be interested in helping.

Thanks, Soraya, for moving it!

CREAMYALMONDZ · #11 06-19-2002, 09:23 AM

That is a bunch of crock how can they do that!?!?
Sounds to me like they are trying to get some customers and what a way to do it. That is so wrong. WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! MCI is a complete rip-off!

GaKmPeach · #12 06-22-2002, 04:01 PM

OKAY AM I UNDERSTANDING THIS RIGHT. AS OF JUNE 24 WE MUST HABE AN ACCOUNT WITH MCI OR CALLS WILL NOT GO THROUGH? MY HUSBAND IS FEDERAL AND IS MOVING TO HIS FACILITY JUNE 25. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO ENSURE HE WILL BE BALE TO CALL ME? THANKS

BillnDenise · #13 06-22-2002, 04:34 PM

Kim,

Billy is in federal and he hasn't said anything about any phone calls. He's been calling me direct on my cell phone. I will ask him. I think federal rules are different than state. We are in WV though, it may be different where your's is going. I'll ask anyway.

Sexesweet · #14 06-24-2002, 08:29 AM

That is unfair i think does that go for nys prisons to?

BillnDenise · #15 06-24-2002, 10:41 AM

I think that it's totally unfair.