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.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Our Phone Service uses an algorithm to determine the best rate for you based on your location, the inmate's location and the carrier the facility uses. If we can't save you money, we do not issue a line. If we issue a line and the calls are not cheaper, we offer you a refund. It works perfectly in about 70% of the cases
Subject: Inmate phone calls
In all situations, the inmate must initiate the call. The cost to the inmate to make an international call is pricey. You can reduce the cost by acquiring a US number and relaying it to your international one. InmateAid does part of that solution by getting a US number.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
The phone service works for inmates and their loved ones in the north platte ne county jail and if you are going to talk a lot, then it makes sense to try it. This service does not include video calls, yet.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
It depends on the facility and the carrier at that facility - in some cases, there are savings of over 50%. If you are going to talk a lot, it might be worth looking into. In federal it's a central system that is beneficial if you have a local number. InmateAid gets them for only $5 per month - user/inmate save $45. Check it out by going to Discount Phone Lines to see if you can save too.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Yes, you can do better. All in-state numbers for Securus in Texas are more expensive than any out-of-state number
Subject: Inmate phone calls
The cheapest way is to have the "best phone number" for the situation. If the number saves, it'll be 50% or better. If it doesn't save, we don't issue a number and promptly refund the charge.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
yes, actually it would
Subject: Inmate phone calls
you need a local number to get the lowest rate. everything else is the same except how much the line costs. iinmateAID's local phone number is $5/m,o no hidden fees. Save $45 for $5 is a pretty good deal.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
sometimes we cannot save you money so the transaction is refunded and an email explanation is sent to help you get set up properly.
