Ohio's state prisons use ViaPath Technologies (GTL/ConnectNetwork) under a statewide contract with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). Ohio transitioned from Securus Technologies to ViaPath in 2023; the Securus contract ended July 31, 2023. Any existing Securus accounts for ODRC calls are no longer active.
Ohio's 88 counties each operate their own jails with independent phone contracts.
ODRC uses "incarcerated individuals" in official communications.
PART 1 - ODRC STATE PRISONS
Phone and tablet vendor: ViaPath Technologies / GTL (ConnectNetwork)
ODRC receives no monetary fees from the ViaPath contract.
Setup: connectnetwork.com
Customer service: 877-650-4249 | odrccustomerhelp@gtl.net
ConnectNetwork mobile app: available for Android and iOS
FREE CALLING - ODRC
Ohio provides free calls to incarcerated individuals at state facilities:
Weekly free calls: Each incarcerated individual receives three (3) free calls of up to 15 minutes per week.
Monthly free calls: Under the ViaPath contract announced June 2023, ODRC also provides 12 free 10-minute calls per month for the entire population.
New arrival calls: Every new incarcerated adult entering ODRC receives 60 free minutes of phone time at intake (at the reception center) to reach family and friends.
Free video visitation: 15 minutes of free video visitation per month.
Note on free call structure: The ConnectNetwork ODRC page (last verified June 2026) shows the "3 free calls up to 15 minutes per week" structure from the April 2021 program. The June 2023 ODRC press release announced 12 free 10-minute calls per month under the new ViaPath contract. These may describe the same or overlapping benefits. Verify the current free call structure at connectnetwork.com or by calling 877-650-4249.
PAID CALLING OPTIONS
After free calls are used, additional calls require funding through one of two account types:
AdvancePay (prepaid collect): You fund an account tied to your phone number. When the incarcerated individual calls your number, charges are deducted from your balance. Works for all phone types including cell phones. This account only allows your loved one to call the specific number associated with your account.
PIN Debit: You deposit funds directly to the incarcerated individual's phone account. They can then use those funds to call anyone in their approved support network - not just one number. The PIN Debit account is also used to fund tablet content services.
Rate for paid calls: Not published on the official ConnectNetwork ODRC page. The June 2021 contract announcement stated a 60% reduction in domestic call rates. Ohio was not identified as a state above FCC 2025 IPCS caps. Verify the current paid rate at connectnetwork.com or call 877-650-4249 before adding funds.
Setting up an account
Step 1: Create a ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com. Add "Ohio Department of Correction and Rehabilitation" as your facility and add the incarcerated individual as a contact.
Step 2: Choose AdvancePay (tied to your number) or PIN Debit (added to the individual's account).
Step 3: Make a deposit online, through the mobile app, or by mailing a money order through TouchPay Holdings (the payment provider; see connectnetwork.com for money order instructions).
Trust fund: Separate from phone accounts. Used for commissary purchases. Also managed through ConnectNetwork.
Video visitation
Video visits scheduled through GTL VisitMe at ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com/app. Most incarcerated adults no longer need to schedule in advance. Billing is per actual minute used - no longer in 30-minute blocks. 15 free minutes per month. Scheduling available through the VisMobile Android app (iOS not available for scheduling).
Tablets
Tablets were distributed at no cost under the ViaPath contract. They provide access to music, movies, audiobooks, newsfeed, and religious library content. Additional content as determined by ODRC may also be available. Tablet content services are funded through the PIN Debit account.
ODRC facilities
ODRC operates approximately 26 state correctional facilities including:
Correctional Reception Center (CRC) - Orient (intake/reception; new arrivals processed here)
Ohio State Penitentiary (OSP) - Youngstown (maximum security)
Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) - Marysville
Mansfield Correctional Institution (ManCI) - Mansfield
And others - full list at drc.ohio.gov
Offender search: drc.ohio.gov (search on homepage)
ODRC contact:
drc.ohio.gov
Public information: drc.publicinfo@drc.ohio.gov | 614-752-1161
Visitor information: 614-752-1159
PART 2 - OHIO COUNTY JAILS (88 counties)
Ohio has 88 counties, each operating its own jail. County jails contract phone services independently from ODRC. Common vendors include Securus Technologies, ViaPath/ConnectNetwork, and ICSolutions. Rates and procedures vary widely - Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) has been noted at $0.16/min for jail calls.
How to find the current vendor for a county jail: Go to the county's official website or the county sheriff's website and look for "Inmate Telephone" or "Jail Services." Call the facility directly if not posted online.
What to do before the first call
For an ODRC state prison:
1. Find the incarcerated individual's number and current facility at drc.ohio.gov
2. Ask the individual to add your phone number to their approved calling list
3. Create a ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com; customer service 877-650-4249
4. Choose AdvancePay (for calls to your number) or PIN Debit (for individual to call multiple numbers)
5. Fund the account; verify current paid rate before adding funds
6. Wait for the individual to initiate the call
For an Ohio county jail:
1. Find the individual through the county jail's website or inmate search
2. Identify the current phone vendor
3. Create an account with that vendor
4. Add funds
5. Wait for the individual to call
Frequently asked questions
Who provides phone calls at Ohio state prisons?
ViaPath Technologies (GTL/ConnectNetwork). Setup at connectnetwork.com; customer service 877-650-4249.
What happened to Securus?
ODRC transitioned from Securus to ViaPath in 2023. Securus's ODRC contract ended July 31, 2023. Existing Securus balances were refunded after that date.
How many free calls does an incarcerated person get?
Three free calls of up to 15 minutes per week. Under the June 2023 ViaPath contract, 12 free 10-minute calls per month are provided. New arrivals at the reception center also receive 60 free minutes.
What is the difference between AdvancePay and PIN Debit?
AdvancePay is tied to your specific phone number - calls can only be made to that number. PIN Debit is funded in the individual's account - they can call any approved number. PIN Debit also funds tablet services.
Does ODRC receive money from the phone contract?
No. ODRC explicitly receives no monetary fees from the ViaPath contract.
Do county jails use ViaPath/ConnectNetwork?
Some do. Others use Securus or ICSolutions. Always verify the specific county jail before creating an account. ====================================================================