Current FCC Regulation

• The current law requires that phone users of public phones be able to access their long-distance carrier -- AT&T, Embarq, etc. If a public telephone in a correctional facility is in a visitation area, or is a phone used by correctional staff, this law applies.
  
  

Inmate Phone Usage

• The FCC does not, however, require inmate phones this access. Since most inmate phones are limited by local or state laws to collect-only calls, the provider is limited to the regional provider.
  
  

Interstate Collect Call Charges

• Per FCC regulations, the operational service provider (OSP) is required to identify itself to the recipient of the call before it connects the call. It is also required to advise the call recipient of rate information and allow the recipient to reject or terminate the call at no cost.
  
  

Intrastate Collect Call Charges

• Since the FCC deals with interstate communication, call charges entirely within the same state will be subject to your state's regulations and your service provider's policies -- not the FCC.