2026-22601·FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Video Relay Service Improvements; Incarcerated People's Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act; Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services; Access to Video Conferencing

Final RuleEffective

Published: Nov 5, 2026
Effective: Nov 5, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 69726
Docket: CG Docket Nos. 03-123, 10-51, 10-213, 23-161 and WC Docket Nos. 12-375, 23-62, FCC 23-116, FCC 24-75 and FCC 24-95, FR ID 374967

Final rule; announcement of effective date.

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a final rule that updates a suite of programs aimed at improving communication services for people who are incarcerated. The rule adopts new information‑collection requirements tied to video relay services, video‑conferencing access, and the rates charged for interstate inmate calling. It also implements provisions of the Martha Wright‑Reed Act, which seeks to expand reliable, affordable communication options for inmates and their families, and to ensure that video‑relay technology meets accessibility standards. The regulation applies to telephone and video‑relay service providers, prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities that offer inmate calling and conferencing services. By setting standardized reporting and data‑collection obligations (under OMB Control Number 3060‑1089), the FCC aims to improve oversight, promote fair pricing, and increase access to modern communication tools for incarcerated individuals and people with hearing impairments. The rule was published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2026 (91 FR 69726) and became effective the same day. Because it is a final rule, the public comment period that preceded it has already closed. Service providers must now begin complying with the new reporting requirements and rate structures, and the FCC will monitor the data collected to assess whether the changes achieve the intended improvements in inmate communication and accessibility.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget has approved new information collection requirements under OMB Control Number 3060-1089, as adopted in the Commission's Report and Orders, FCC 23-116, FCC 24-75 and FCC 24-95.