In a pivotal legal outcome for incarcerated individuals and their families, Global Tel Link (GTL), operating under the name ViaPath Technologies, has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over alleged excessive communication fees. The settlement responds to long-standing complaints that the company charged inflated prices for video calls, messaging, and tablet-based services in West Virginia correctional facilities between May 15, 2022, and April 30, 2023.
This case brought national attention to the high cost of staying connected with loved ones during incarceration, a burden that fell on economically vulnerable individuals. The lawsuit alleged that ViaPath’s pricing violated federal and state consumer protection laws, including the Federal Telecommunications Act and West Virginia’s consumer statutes. Although ViaPath denies any wrongdoing, it has agreed to compensate affected parties through a structured refund process.
A key feature of this settlement is its automatic disbursement model. No claim form is required; eligible individuals will receive refunds directly, unless they opt out. Furthermore, the structure of the refund includes a 100% return of overcharged amounts and an additional matching refund, effectively doubling the compensation.
Who Is Included in the Settlement?
The settlement applies to two broad categories of individuals, both of whom must have been involved in communication activities via GTL services within the defined class period.
| Group | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Incarcerated Individuals | Must have been held in a West Virginia jail or prison between May 15, 2022, and April 30, 2023, and paid for communication services. |
| External Parties (Family/Friends) | Must have communicated (via video or messaging) with someone incarcerated during the same time and were charged by ViaPath. |
This inclusive eligibility structure ensures that not only inmates but also their family members and friends who bore the financial burden are eligible for reimbursement.
What Are the Compensation Terms?
The financial remedy provided under this settlement is generous in comparison to many class actions. Eligible members will receive twice the amount they were overcharged.
For example, if a class member was overcharged by $15 for video or tablet usage, they will receive a $30 payment—$15 to cover the actual overcharge and an additional $15 as a matching bonus. This double-refund mechanism highlights the seriousness of the claims and the court’s intent to offer fair redress.
| Overcharged Amount | Refund | Bonus Match | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5 | $5 | $5 | $10 |
| $20 | $20 | $20 | $40 |
| $50 | $50 | $50 | $100 |
The exact amount each class member will receive depends on the total they were overcharged for video calling, messaging, or tablet use.
Important Deadlines and Legal Timeline
The legal process for the settlement includes several critical deadlines, all of which should be noted by potentially eligible individuals. A final hearing will determine if the settlement is approved, and the funds will be disbursed shortly afterward.
- Class Period: May 15, 2022 – April 30, 2023
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: July 18, 2025
- Settlement Payout Start Date: TBD (Post-approval)
If you wish to object to the settlement or exclude yourself (for example, if you want to file your own lawsuit), you must submit the request by June 30, 2025.
What Actions Are Required?
One of the most notable aspects of this class action resolution is that no action is needed to receive payment. Most class action settlements require claim forms, proof of payment, or identity verification. This case eliminates such barriers.
- ❌ No need to file a claim form
- ❌ No need to prove payment history
- ❌ No need to call or email ViaPath
The settlement administrator will automatically issue refunds to all eligible parties using contact and payment details already available from ViaPath’s systems.
Why This Case Matters
This lawsuit has far-reaching implications beyond the immediate financial compensation. It sets a precedent for holding telecom providers accountable for monopolistic and exploitative practices within correctional facilities. The case also raises awareness about the cost of communication behind bars—an issue that affects millions of incarcerated individuals and their families in the U.S.
Moreover, the automatic nature of the refund, combined with matching compensation, reflects an attempt to ensure fair restitution without unnecessary red tape. These kinds of structures are not yet common but may become more widespread as consumer rights advocacy grows in the prison telecommunications industry.
What You Should Know
For individuals who were incarcerated or communicated with someone in a West Virginia jail or prison during the eligible timeframe, this settlement offers a clear and automatic path to compensation. Refunds will be issued in full, plus an equal additional amount as restitution.
- ✅ Eligible members will receive double the overcharged amount.
- ✅ No claim form is required—benefits will be issued automatically.
- ✅ Final approval hearing is scheduled for July 18, 2025.
- ✅ The settlement applies only to charges in West Virginia facilities.
- ✅ Exclusion and objection deadline is June 30, 2025.