TKC, ICSolutions, Securus Defend Proposed Transaction; Massachusetts AG Opposes Deal
TKC Holdings, Inmate Calling Solutions and Securus Technologies opposed calls for the FCC to reject TKC's proposed sale of ICSolutions to Securus. They said the Wright Petitioners and other critics "resurrect old allegations" against Securus' character and "assert, supported by…
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scant evidence, that granting the Joint Application will inevitably have negative effects" on inmate calling service competition (see 1807170054). "Neither argument provides a basis for denying or delaying" the deal, said the applicants' opposition (to petitions to deny) posted Tuesday in docket 18-193. "The character arguments rehash the same assertions raised by many of the same Petitioners when they unsuccessfully sought to deny the transfer of control" of Securus to Abry Partners in 2013 and, subsequently, to Platinum Equity in 2017. "They admit that the new evidence (which in any event is erroneous) goes to the same alleged misconduct they raised in 2017. ... Repetitious assertions of claims that have previously been rejected by the Commission are evidently made solely for the purpose of delaying the Transaction." The applicants said competitive concerns are "factually and legally flawed." They said arguments the deal will lead to a duopoly of Securus and Global Tel*Link ignore other competitors such as CenturyLink, disputing it will reduce competition. The applicants filed a separate reply responding to various commenters. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey opposed the transaction, saying it "threatens" ICS competition nationwide and in her state at a time when Securus is seeking to avoid any Massachusetts regulatory oversight," said her reply. "Following many years of exorbitant and unfair charges imposed on inmate calling services, it is abundantly clear that we need more competition and oversight from the FCC and the states, not less."