Inmate Phone Calls — Ask the Inmate
Prison phone calls are one of the most important lifelines between an incarcerated person and their family, and one of the most expensive. The prison phone industry has historically operated as a near-monopoly charging rates that few other consumer services would get away with. This section covers how the prison phone system works, why rates are so high and what has changed in recent years, how debit calling accounts function, how to get a number approved on an inmate's call list, how InmateAid's local number service reduces call costs by up to 70 percent, and what international callers need to know about reaching a US facility from another country. The questions answered here come from families who are paying too much for calls and from inmates trying to navigate phone access from inside. Understanding how the system works is the first step toward getting the most contact for the least cost. See also our sections on Money Transfer and Commissary.
Related InmateAid Services
You only need the name of the facility and your phone number. The inmate's name is not necessary.
Read moreYes. The phone service at EVERY prison or jail is controlled by one company (there are 25 competing for the contract). They set the rates and you HAVE to use them. What InmateAid does is get a different phone number that we know will reduce the price (using their pricing model as our guide). In some cases, the local call is the cheapest, in others an out of state call is less than any number inside the same state (it's
Read moreIt varies depending on the facility rules. If they are in county, there is no restriction. If they are in state or federal, there is an approval process that could take a couple days or a couple weeks.
Read moreThe reception center has more strict guidelines for inmate calling. There is an orientation period (maybe 2 weeks) that has to be completed before the inmates may submit their call list to the administration for approval.
Read moreThis is within the same state system - there will be virtually no down time unless he is starting the new bid in segregation which has phone privilege restrictions.
Read moreThe phone carrier is CityTeleCoin. All calls are over $5.00 unless you are in Shreveport LA, then the calls are $1.85. Our Discount Phone Service would get you that Shreveport number, it would ring on your regular number (forwarded). You still have to use CityTeleCoin but set the account up with our number to save over $3.00 per call. If you want to try it for a month, let us know and we will email you a coupon code for
Read moreIf you are talking about the Sterling Correctional Facility in the Colorado Department of Corrections, the correct and only choice is OffenderConnect.com. Their rates are the same price for all calls whether you are in Sterling CO or anywhere in the United States. Set up and fund an AdvancePay account. You will not need a different phone line from InmateAid or anyone else... for this situation.
Read moreNo, the Sumter County Prison uses Bealls Communication. The calls are $5.45 per 15 minute call. If you are local to Americus Georgia the same call to a local number is only $1.85. If you are not a local call, we can get you an Americus number on a non-contract basis, month-to-month for $19.95. If your inmate calls more than once a week, the savings will pay our fee. If you speak everyday, you will love this service. If you want to
Read morePhone numbers have to be approved in some facilities. If you have been approved but changed your number, you are STILL approved, the number has nothing to do with it (unless they have a number change restriction which could be as much as six months). Our advice is to call a counselor at the facility and politely ask for their guidance.
Read moreUsually within one hour of purchase. If you haven't seen the email with the new number yet, check your spam folder... sometimes the first email from us ends up there.
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