Best Ways to Stay Connected Through Prison Calls

Staying in touch with a loved one who is incarcerated can be tough, but it’s important for both emotional support and maintaining relationships. One of the most common ways to keep in touch with someone in jail or prison is through prison calls. Inmate phone calls allow family and friends to connect with their loved ones, offering comfort and helping everyone stay involved in each other’s lives. However, prison phone calls can be expensive, making it crucial to find affordable options to stay in contact. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to stay connected through prison calls and show you how you can make inmate calls more affordable.

Prison phone calls are essential for staying connected, but they often come with high costs. Many jails and prisons partner with third-party companies to handle inmate phone calls, and these companies charge high fees for their services. For families trying to keep in touch regularly, these costs can add up fast. However, there are ways to save money on these calls. By understanding how the system works and finding affordable options, you can keep in touch with your loved ones without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at the best ways to reduce costs and stay connected with an inmate through phone calls.

Understanding the Costs of Inmate Phone Calls

Inmate phone calls from jail tend to cost more than regular calls. This is because they are managed by private companies that charge for the service. These companies often charge high fees for connecting calls, and these costs can vary based on the length of the call, where the call is made, and even the time of day. As a result, families can find themselves spending a lot of money just to speak to their loved ones in prison.

There are different fees involved in making prison phone calls, such as connection fees, per-minute charges, and sometimes even account setup fees. Because there’s usually not much competition between phone service providers in jails and prisons, these fees can be difficult to avoid. This situation has led many people to ask for changes to the prison phone system, but for now, families need to find ways to manage these costs. The goal is to understand the options available to reduce the price of inmate phone calls so you can keep in touch regularly without spending too much.

1. Set Up an Inmate Calling Account

One of the first things you’ll need to do to stay connected through inmate telephone calls is to set up an account with the service provider that handles calls at the facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Once you set up an account, you can deposit money into it, which the inmate can use to make calls. Many service providers allow you to load funds into the account using a debit or credit card, or even with cash at certain kiosks or online services. Once the money is in the account, the inmate can use it to make phone calls.

Before setting up your account, it’s a good idea to check out the service provider that works with the specific jail or prison. Different facilities use different providers, and the fees can be very different from one provider to another. Some providers may offer better rates for cheap phone calls from jail or have special discounts if you schedule calls in advance. Take some time to look at all the available options to find the most affordable and reliable service.

2. Prepaid and Collect Calls

When paying for inmate phone calls, there are two main options: prepaid calls and collect calls. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the differences and choose the one that works best for your situation.

• Prepaid Calls: With prepaid calls, you deposit money into the inmate’s account, and the inmate uses that balance to make calls. Prepaid accounts are often a good choice if you want to control how much you spend because you can set a limit on how much you deposit. Prepaid calls usually have lower per-minute rates compared to collect calls, which means you can talk longer for the same amount of money.

• Collect Calls: With collect calls, the person receiving the call pays for it. This option can be useful if you would rather not manage an account or load money into a prepaid system. However, collect calls tend to have higher per-minute rates, which means the person receiving the call ends up paying more. While this might be more convenient for the inmate, it could quickly become more expensive than prepaid calls.

Each option has its benefits, but if you’re looking to keep costs low, prepaid calls are usually the better option.

3. Use VoIP and Internet-based services

Another way to save money on inmate phone calls is by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or other Internet-based communication options. Some prisons allow inmates to use internet calling systems, which can be cheaper than traditional phone calls. These services use the internet to connect the call, bypassing traditional phone networks, which helps to reduce costs.

However, not all prisons offer VoIP calling, and even if they do, there might be certain restrictions on using it. If the facility where your loved one is incarcerated allows VoIP calls, it can be worth looking into this option. Internet-based calling is generally cheaper than regular phone calls, which can help you save money over time.

4. Schedule Calls to Save Money

Some phone service providers allow you to schedule inmate calls in advance. By choosing specific times for calls, you can take advantage of lower rates that might be available during off-peak hours. Many service providers offer discounts for calls made during certain times of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings, when fewer people are using the system.

Be sure to coordinate with the inmate to figure out the best times for them to call so that you both know when to expect a call. Some providers also offer discount packages that let you purchase a set number of minutes at a lower rate, which can help reduce the overall cost. Scheduling calls and taking advantage of discounted rates is a smart way to keep costs down.

5. Look for Discount Programmes and Financial Help

For families that have a hard time paying for inmate calls, there are sometimes programmes available to help. Some jails and prisons offer reduced rates or discounts for low-income families. These programmes might require you to provide proof of financial need, so it’s important to ask about any available discounts before setting up your account.

In addition, some nonprofit organisations advocate for changes in the prison phone system and offer assistance to families in need. These organisations may provide information on how to reduce phone call costs or even offer financial help to cover the expenses of staying in touch with an incarcerated loved one.

It’s worth looking into any available discounts or assistance programmes, as they can make it much easier to stay connected without spending too much money.

6. Choose the Right Service Provider

The most important step in reducing the cost of inmate phone calls is choosing the right service provider. Although most jails and prisons have contracts with specific phone providers, some facilities give you the option to choose a different provider. If possible, research the available options and look for the most affordable provider for inmate phone calls.

When choosing a provider, look for one that offers cheap phone calls from jail, and make sure they have a good reputation for providing reliable service. Also, check if they have clear pricing and good customer support in case you need help with your account. This way, you can ensure that you’re paying a fair price and getting good service when staying connected with your loved one.

Conclusion

Staying in touch with someone who is incarcerated through phone calls is an important way to maintain relationships and provide emotional support. While prison phone calls can be expensive, there are many ways to make them more affordable. By setting up an inmate calling account, choosing the right type of calls, scheduling calls during cheaper times, and looking for financial help, you can reduce the cost of staying connected. Whether you choose prepaid accounts, collect calls, or internet-based services, it’s essential to explore all the options and find the one that works best for you. Staying connected with an inmate doesn’t have to be a financial burden — with the right strategies, you can maintain communication and support your loved one through their time in prison.