The Justice Department's Antitrust Division has voiced its support for enhanced competition and reduced prices in incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter emphasized the importance of affordable communication, stating, "Telephone services are a lifeline between incarcerated people and the outside world." He commended the FCC for its efforts to make rates fairer and more just over the past decade and encouraged further improvements in this area.

In a comment submitted to the FCC, the Justice Department highlighted the benefits of communication for incarcerated individuals' well-being and family connections. The comment pointed out that a few corporations currently dominate the IPCS market, leading to high costs and poor service quality. This situation has resulted in financial strain for many families, with a significant number going into debt to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved ones.

The department's comment recommended regulatory safeguards to foster competition, align market incentives, and lower costs in the IPCS sector. These measures aim to alleviate the financial burden on American families seeking to stay connected with their incarcerated relatives. By supporting the implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, the Justice Department seeks to ensure that communication services for incarcerated individuals become more affordable and accessible.

Furthermore, the Justice Department reiterated its commitment to promoting competition in various sectors, including telecommunications. Through collaboration with the FCC on matters related to communications mergers and other issues, the department aims to advance affordable communication services for incarcerated individuals and their families.