Improve Wi-Fi Access and Reduce Communication Costs in Prisons to Strengthen Family Connection

Maintaining meaningful contact with loved ones is essential for the mental health and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Yet, families struggle with poor Wi-Fi connectivity and faulty phone systems that make calls inaudible and difficult to maintain. On top of these technical challenges, families often pay $0.08 per minute for each 30-minute call, plus up to 48% in additional taxes and fees, creating a severe financial burden.

We call on the Idaho Department of Corrections to:

• Upgrade Wi-Fi infrastructure to ensure clear, stable, and reliable connections in correctional facilities.
• Invest in modern communication technology that allows uninterrupted, high-quality phone and video calls.
• Reduce the cost of communication by eliminating excessive fees and taxes, so families aren’t financially punished for staying connected.
• Offer Wi-Fi extenders for purchase through the commissary, enabling incarcerated people to improve their own signal strength within the facility.
• Provide affordable and accessible options for all incarcerated people and their loved ones.

Strong family connections reduce recidivism, improve mental health, and uphold human dignity. Sign this petition to demand better, affordable, and reliable communication options for incarcerated people and their families.