Prison Phone Justice

930 E. 50th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60615
VIA ECFS
December 10, 2012
Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554
Re: Meeting with Michael Steffen, Legal Advisor to Chairman Genachowski, on Prison
Phone Rate and Lifeline Issues
Dear Secretary Dortch:
On December 7, Dr. George Korn, associate professor, Ohio University School of Media Arts
and Studies and advisor to Rev. Jackson, met with Michael Steffen, legal advisor to Chairman
Genachowski, and members of his staff, Travis Litman and Garnet Hanly, regarding predatory
prison phone rates and Lifeline issues.
I expressed Rev. Jesse Jackson’s and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s concern about predatory
prison telephone rates and indicated that the issue will be a major focus for RPC in the months
ahead. Mr. Steffen provided an update on the status of the Wright Petition and other initiatives
that are underway within the agency to address the problem. While the FCC can have an impact
on interstate rates, it has very little jurisdiction on intrastate calling rates. I explained that
Rainbow PUSH will be focusing its efforts on predatory intrastate rates as it is currently doing in
Cook County, Illinois. I talked about our plans to sponsor hearings on predatory prison phone
rates in Chicago and possibly New York and asked for the FCC’s participation.
I expressed our organization’s ongoing support for the Lifeline program for low-income
Americans and our commitment to making it work as efficiently and effectively as possible. I
pointed out that, while compliance plan approval has been slow since the requirement was
implemented, there are signs that the pace of approvals will be picking up and expressed
appreciation for that. I also expressed the hope that, as the mechanics of the process continue to
take shape, it will be marked by clarity of criteria, transparency and fairness.
I also addressed the Lifeline 10 federal state petition process. I indicated that the approval
process has been virtually frozen for the past 2 years, creating an anticompetitive situation in
these states. A competitive Lifeline situation in the 10 federal states will most likely offer

low-income citizens improved pricing, hardware, and other options that the current duopoly does
not provide. We urge the FCC to move forward on the 10 state approval process and allow
qualified companies to begin offering service. This will improve access and choice for the most
needy citizens in those states.
I also asked about progress on the Lifeline database. The database is the best answer for
problems of fraud, waste and abuse and Rainbow PUSH urges rapid action on its
implementation.
I expressed our appreciation for the effort the agency is making to address issues that are
important to low-income citizens and minority communities. We know it’s a difficult job and we
are ready to assist anyway we can to create a system that is responsive to the needs of all
Americans.
If you have questions regarding this letter, please contact me directly.
Respectfully submitted,

George Korn, Ph.D.
Advisor to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Cc:

Michael Steffen, Michael.Steffen@fcc.gov
Travis Litman, Travis.Litman@fcc.gov
Garnet Hanly, Garnet.Hanly@fcc.gov