The FCC has approved new rules aimed to bring down the high rates presently charged by telephone companies at prisons for interstate long-distance calls. The exorbitant costs charged to inmates and their families (some cases $17 for a 15 minute call) prohibits the inmate from maintaining contact with family and friends during their incarceration. Studies have shown that there is a lower rate of recidivism with inmates who keep regular contact with family and friends during the incarceration. FCC Rules Regarding Inmate Interstate Long-Distance Call Fees