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
Subject: Inmate phone calls
The InmateAid phone line is matched to the lowest tariff at the facility your inmate is housed. You still fund the account as there is only one carrier. A call from your inmate may now cost $6.00 per 15-minutes, if there is a lower rate, we get you a number that will get it. If there are no savings, we do not issue a number. For the tens of thousands that do use it every month, the IA fee is covered...
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(we answered you directly earlier today via email.) this isn't a gimmick, it's just smart. we aren't replacing the phone carrier or suggesting we do. The InmateAid phone line is matched to the lowest tariff where your inmate is incarcerated. You still fund the account as there is only one way to get calls, and it's through a monopoly carrier that set the rates without a competitor. For instance, a call from your inmate may now cost $6.00 per 15-minutes, if there is a...
Read moreSubject: Inmate phone calls
Here's how it works, your number is attached (by forwarding) to a number that gets the best price at your particular prison/jail. It may be dialed by two inmates, but you will get all the calls coming to the new number. So, if you give it to two inmates, they both may call you. However, they cannot call more people than you.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Yes, InmateAid's discount phone service applies to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. The savings depend on your specific phone number and what rate the facility's carrier currently charges for it, which is why checking before you sign up is the right move.
The way it works is straightforward. Every correctional facility has a single phone carrier holding the contract, and that carrier charges different rates depending on the number your inmate is dialing. InmateAid identifies the number...
Read moreSubject: Inmate phone calls
Probably by postcard would be the most reliable.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Depending on the type of facility, there would be a delay for the inmate in the form of an orientation period, for instance, county inmates can often call right away. Usually, this is about a week from the time they arrive. This pertains mostly to federal or state inmates,
Subject: Inmate phone calls
There is a Cancellation button next to your phone number on your Account Dashboard. Click it and it's cancelled.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
You cannot call into the facility to speak with an inmate. The inmate must call you. Depending on where they are incarcerated, the call price can be VERY expensive. If you would like more specifics, please email us the location of your inmate and your telephone number and we will give you an honest estimate of the call price and potential savings using the InmateAid Discount Phone Service
Subject: Inmate phone calls
No, inmates cannot receive calls. Inmates may only make outbound calls to phone numbers on their approved calling list. They must have money on their account to connect the call. Inmates may also call you "collect", although this is the most expensive way to receive calls. Click here to set up an account
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Yes, that is the only way an inmate may communicate by phone because they cannot receive an incoming phone call.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Depends on where your inmate is. Federal, the approval is instant. State prisons require a little more time. County there is no approval list, the inmate just dials out if they have money on their books.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
Unfortunately no, the inmate must have money on their books for them to make an outbound call to you.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
No. if they have access, they are looking for more charges added to their case.
Subject: Inmate phone calls
It took about a week to get everything approved and set up
Subject: Inmate phone calls
When you order the phone line, the process is automated by software to the utility for procurement. Once the utility issues the phone line, there are no refunds from them, therefore we cannot issue refunds either. The no refund policy is displayed in several places on the site before you sign up so that there are no misunderstandings. We go so far to say, "if you buy the service on Monday and the inmate gets released on Tuesday, there are no...
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