KEEP YOUR COLLECT CALL RATES FROM RISING AGAIN
Although the original tenets of Stop the Contract were "fair rates", "choice of service provider", "improved quality of service", and "choice of calling method", the statewide campaign for telephone justice has been victorious! Tens of thousands of families across New York State are finally paying a more manageable amount for telephone contact with imprisoned loved ones...
PHONE RATES REDUCED AGAIN
IT'S A START, BUT WE’RE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS, YET
In April, 2007, newly elected Governor Eliot Spitzer suspended New York State's 57.5% kickback from prison telephone contracts, and reduced collect call rates by 50% for the first six (6) months (April –October). Since the phone systems withstood any call volume increase, the NYS Department of Correctional Services has now reduced the rates an additional 7.5%, as of October 5, 2007. The new rates reflect a $1.28 connection fee and 6.8 cents per minute. Please double check your bills and keep good records to ensure that you are not being overcharged. Also, make notes about how Global TelLink is treating you - don't be discriminated against, just because you love someone who is incarcerated!
We are still working to make these and further changes officially part of the law – no back tracking!!! Contact us to be part of the continuing struggle for a fair and equitable permanent solution! (founderpfcf@yahoo.com)
NEW PAYMENT PLAN FOR DIRECT REMIT CUSTOMERS:
As of October 2007, Global TelLink has changed its direct remit account ($100 down-payment with limited number of receivable calls). These accounts were allegedly mailed a letter explaining that the limits have been changed to dollar amount instead of number of calls. (Below is text from the form letter):
"On October 10, 2007 your Global TelLink direct remit account will change from a call-limit balance to a dollar-limit balance. This change will allow you to accrue up to a $100 in call charges before you are required to pay down the balance to receive more calls from the New York Department of Corrections. Below is an explanation of the provisions regarding this new service:
You will be allowed to accept collect calls every month up to the $100 limit. When this limit is reached, your telephone number will be blocked until a full payment of the $100 is made, then the block will be removed.
Payments may be made multiple times within a month to reset the dollar limit.
You will be notified by an automated call when you are close to reaching your dollar limit. You will also be notified by an automated call when this limit has been reached and your telephone number is blocked. You will be unable to receive additional calls until the balance is paid.
Payments may be made with a credit card by calling Global TelLink at the number below or with a check/money order using the remittance slip that is furnished with your monthly invoice. Credit card payments can also be made via the web at: https://www.correctionsgtl.com
With established good credit in the first 3 months, you may request an increase of your limit to $150 a month. Continued good credit for the following 3 months permits you to increase your limit to $200. You must be in good credit standing with other Global TelLink services in order to qualify for these requested increases.
You will receive monthly invoices with remittance slips.
The Company may terminate your account if your account balance remains unpaid 21 days after the date of the invoice."
Don't let your phone rates go up, again! Get involved, and stay involved, there's much more work to be done!
founderpfcf@yahoo.com or New York Campaign for Telephone Justice