Global Tel Link

Global Tel Link (GTL), formerly known as Global Telcoin, Inc. and Global Tel*Link Corporation, is a telecommunications company based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 1980. It provides Inmate Calling Services (ICS) and other solutions like payment systems, facility management, and visitation services for correctional facilities. GTL delivered 4.1 billion call minutes in 2020. The company’s leadership includes CEO Deb Alderson, President and COO Jeffrey Haidinger, CFO Steve Yow, CMO Anthony R. Bambocci, and SVP of Engineering Matthew Caesar. Its board members include representatives from Veritas Capital and DC Capital Partners.

GTL was renamed in 1999 and acquired by Veritas Capital and Goldman Sachs for $345 million before being sold for $1 billion in 2011. The company has faced criticism for high prices due to its monopoly on inmate communication services. The FCC attempted to cap call costs but faced challenges, including court rulings limiting its authority. In 2021, the Biden administration reduced inmate call costs.

GTL has been involved in multiple lawsuits, including a class action alleging kickbacks and bribery. In 2017, it settled a lawsuit with Mississippi for $2.5 million over bribery involving former Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps. Another lawsuit in Michigan accused GTL of banning in-person visits to boost call revenues. The FCC reported that GTL’s 15-minute calls could cost up to $17.30, which the company justified as necessary for security.