I can not tell you how good it felt to get some good news today. After complaining to the BBB about billing issues, it took 5 weeks to get a written response from the company. It included the representatives phone number. I called her and during the conversation she mentioned to look up a ruling by the FCC regulating inmate phone calls. I took her advice and here is I have learned.
1. There is a cap on what they are allowed to charge for inmate calls now. $.21/ minute for out of state prepaid calls, $.25/minute for collect calls. NO FIRST MINUTE SURCHARGE. That means you can talk for a couple of minutes, throughout the day. Now, I am waiting for my summary of charges to check on the facts of shorter calls, fees, etc. The max for an out of state call is $3.15 for 15 minutes, service fees/taxes is $1.38 total is $4.53. Texas has not "caught up" and complied with the law, but if you have an out of state number they have to follow the federal rules. Get a google account, get a FREE out of state Google number, and you have finally put a limit on their fees. Here is the link to the FCC regulations. Call if Global Tel Link is not complying. I have made shorter calls, but when I called to get fees, they told me all my calls were 15 minutes, so I think they may be charging me a minimum 15 minutes. I am keeping a log now of all my calls, all my calls to their customer service, the most inept people on the earth.
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/inmate-telephone-service
2. They also told me that if you have a local number 936-756 or whatever the first three digits of the jails phone is, which is 936-760 then you will only pay a flat rate of $4.10, plus their taxes/fees for a 30 minute call. Now this is flat rate, no matter how long the call is, up to 30 minutes.
I am getting two numbers, one local, and one out of state, to take advantage of both. Still not sure if they are charging me the minimum of 15 minutes, but no where on the site, or on the pre-call recording does it say that. I have just sent another letter to the BBB. I have received 2 replies, which were helpful, I got the out of state information from them, but still not giving me access to my account activity, so I can monitor my time and money used, you have to call and ask for it to be mailed to you. And it does not say the actual local numbers that will get the flat rate. I have a Google number with a 936-666 exchange I will try next payday, see if I can shave a couple dollars off the 30 minute charge. Pass the word! Once the account is set up, you can forward calls to your cell phone or home phone. Google search for information if you are not sure how to do it. I will try to post details of how to sign up for Google phone number later, or you can leave a comment or send a private message.
The out of state thing should work with regard to any facility you are over paying, but the local thing will have to be a local number of where your facility is located.
Enjoy a few more calls, or a little more money in your pocket.
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