Securus Technologies Secures $315M California Prison Tablet Contract

📍 Overview

In a landmark decision, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has awarded a
multi-million dollar contract to Securus Technologies to provide tablets and modern communication services
to incarcerated individuals statewide. The contract is valued at an estimated $315 million and will be rolled out
from September 2025 through February 2026.

This initiative aims to modernize access to phone calls, video visits, electronic messaging, and digital education,
while significantly lowering costs for families of incarcerated individuals.

📋 Contract Details

• Provider: Securus Technologies
• Total Value: $315 million
• Implementation Period: September 2025 – February 2026
• Services Included: EVOTAB tablets, phone calls, video calls, electronic messaging, educational and entertainment content.

With this agreement, Securus becomes the exclusive provider of tablet and communication services for California’s
prison system, overtaking competitors in one of the largest correctional markets in the United States.

👥 Impact on Families

A key focus of this contract is to reduce financial burdens on families who need to stay connected with
incarcerated loved ones. The new pricing structure will align with upcoming Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
regulations designed to make calls and video visits more affordable and accessible.

Historically, high communication costs have been a source of frustration for families, with few safe and secure options
for sending money or maintaining regular contact. This move is expected to bring meaningful relief to thousands of households.

⚖️ Regulations and Costs

The FCC is simultaneously working to implement new rules that cap rates for prison phone and video services.
However, these regulations do not currently extend to certain tablet-based features, such as paid entertainment and premium content.

This regulatory gap has raised concerns that providers could shift their revenue strategies toward unregulated services,
potentially leading to high fees for movies, music, and other digital content.

🚨 Criticism and Concerns

Securus has faced past controversies, including incidents where attorney-client phone calls were
improperly recorded. Such incidents have fueled public debate over privacy, ethics, and the need for transparency
within prison communication systems.

Advocacy groups have also voiced concerns about limited competition in the corrections technology market,
warning that it could stifle innovation and reduce service quality over time.

🔮 Future Outlook

With this contract, Securus aims to solidify its position as a national leader in correctional technology.
Success will depend on its ability to meet evolving regulatory requirements and demonstrate a commitment to
ethical practices and data security.