global tel link

15 posts

Caution text overlay, illustrating concerns about California's jamming plan

CCST Report Raises Concerns About Untested CDCR Cell Phone Jamming Technology

As we have written previously, the CDCR has forgone all prison telephone commissions as part of a new contract with Global Tel*link (GTL) in return for GTL installing managed access signal (MAS) jamming systems in all 33 of the CRDR’s prison facilities. However, the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) released a report today advising the State of California to use security screening systems, similar to those in airports, in state prisons before investing […]

Waving U.S.A flag, illustrating CDCR requiring managed access jamming

CDCR To Block Prison Cell Phones Via Managed Access Jamming System

The CDCR recently issued a bid for its inmate telephone services and made the installation of wireless managed access jamming systems in its prisons a requirement for the bidders. Global Tel*Link (GTL) has won that bid and will therefore be bearing the cost of installing these systems. Given the high cost of this selective jamming technology and GTL’s commitment not to raise the cost of calls for prisoners, either the CDCR is taking a much […]

A green and white for sale sign with a bird perched on it, illustrating Global Tel*Link being shopped for sale

Global Tel Link For Sale?

Update (4/18/14) The Wall Street Journal reports that Global Tel*Link Corp., the largest U.S. operator of prison phones, is being shopped by its private-equity owner American Securities, according to people familiar with the matter. The sale process comes as federal regulators have capped the fees companies like Global Tel*Link can charge for interstate calls to and from inmates and as the government considers limiting charges for calls made within state lines. The Mobile, Ala., company, […]

Black and gray ip desk phone, illustrating problems with cheap prison VoIP calls

Cheap Prison Phone Calls Come With Glitch

This article discusses the potential pitfalls of VoIP prison local number services offering cheap jail calls and used to bypass long distance charges for prisoners calling friends and family. One mother is quoted as saying, “I’m not able to call my son. He has to call me.” With the meshDETECT secure prison cell phone service, not only are all calls the same price regardless of distance, but families can call their incarcerated loved one directly, […]

A person holding a phone, illustrating a jail phone billing glitch

Inmates Cash In Big On Jail’s Phone Glitch

Larry Stone made a phone call from the Lake County Jail that would typically cost about $20, but it didn’t go through. The charge was supposed to be refunded to his inmate account. But, the 32-year-old checked his balance and discovered his account now had more money than before the call. He made another call and hung up to test his luck. Again, more money magically appeared. He repeated the exercise 77 times, exploiting the […]