Global Tel*Link Overcharge Class Action Settlement
Global Tel*Link Corporation d/b/a ViaPath Technologies
Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...

If you were charged by Global Tel\*Link Corporation (also known as GTL or ViaPath Technologies) for video calls, messaging services, or tablet content through an Inspire® Wireless Tablet between May 15, 2022, and April 30, 2023, you may be eligible to receive a refund and additional credit from a class action settlement.

Global Tel\*Link Corporation (GTL) has agreed to pay to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the company charged consumers higher rates than permitted under its contract with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR). The lawsuit claimed GTL violated the Federal Telecommunications Act and the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (WVCCPA), and committed conversion under West Virginia common law.

The plaintiffs alleged GTL overcharged customers for video calls, messaging services, and tablet content access.

Who is eligible to receive a class action rebate?

You are a class member if you fall into one of the following two categories:

  • Incarcerated individuals: You were incarcerated in a West Virginia jail or prison at any time between May 15, 2022, and April 30, 2023, and GTL charged you more than the following rates:
    • $0.20 per minute for video visitation services.
    • $0.15 per message for text, photo, and video messages.
    • $0.04 per minute to access paid content.
    • Any charge for accessing free content.
  • Non-incarcerated individuals: You were not incarcerated but used the ViaPath "Getting Out" smartphone app to contact someone incarcerated in a West Virginia jail or prison during the class period and were charged more than the above rates.

How much is the settlement payout?

Class members will receive two types of compensation:

  • Refund of overage charges: You will receive a full refund of the amount you were overcharged.
    • Example: If you were charged $0.25 per minute for video visitation instead of the allowed $0.20, you were overcharged by $0.05 per minute.
    • If you had 200 minutes of video visitation, your refund would be calculated as follows: 200 minutes × $0.05 per minute overcharge = $10.00 refund.
  • Additional matching refund: Class members will also receive a supplemental payment equal to the amount of the original overcharge.
    • Using the example above, you would receive an additional $10.00, and your total settlement payment $20.00.

What do I need to do to receive my class action payment?

  • Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive a settlement payment. Global Tel\*Link has provided the settlement administrator with user information.
  • Class members that have an active GTL/ViaPath account will have their settlement payment automatically credited to their account.
  • You can elect to receive your payment in your prison commissary account or by check. To do so, you must contact the settlement administrator by June 30, 2025.
    • The request must be submitted through the free GettingOut messaging app on your tablet or by emailing info@globaltelsettlement.com.
    • Class members requesting a check must provide a current mailing address.
  • Class members that no longer have an active GTL/ViaPath account will receive a check mailed to the last known address.

Payout options

Payment options are as follows:

  • Active GTL/ViaPath account holders:
    • Automatic credit to active GTL/ViaPath account
    • Request a credit to prison commissary account
    • Request a paper check mailed to provided address
  • Former GTL/ViaPath account holders (account is no longer active):
    • Check mailed to last know address or updated address provided through the settlement website

Global Tel\*Link settlement fund

The settlement fund includes:

  • Settlement administration costs: Up to $15,000, paid separately by GTL
  • Attorneys' fees and expenses: Up to $90,000, paid separately by GTL
  • Service awards to class representatives: $3,500 each
  • Payments to class members: Full refund of overcharges plus an additional matching payment

Important dates

  • Deadline for active account holders to request a prison commissary credit or a mailed check: June 30, 2025
  • Deadline to Opt-Out: June 30, 2025
  • Final Approval Hearing: July 18, 2025

When is the Global Tel\*Link class action settlement payout date?

The final hearing will take place on July 18, 2025. Refunds and supplemental payments will be issued approximately 51 days after the court grants approval.

Why was this GTL/ViaPath class action lawsuit filed?

The class action was filed because plaintiffs alleged GTL charged consumers higher rates than permitted under its contract with WVDCR for video calls, messaging, and tablet content. The Plaintiffs claimed GTL overcharged by five cents per minute for video calls, one cent per minute for tablet content access, and ten cents per message for text, picture, and video messages.

GTL denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs and a trial.

Sources

  1. Class Action Settlement Notice (Official Settlement Website)
  2. Settlement Website FAQ Page (Official Settlement Website)
Settlement Open for Claims
Award:
Varies
Deadline:
SUBMIT CLAIM