Cheap Prison Phone Calls Made Easy for Inmate Families

When a loved one is incarcerated, staying connected can be one of the hardest parts of the experience. With the emotional strain of having a family member in prison, adding expensive phone bills to the mix can make things even more difficult. For many families, prison phone calls have long been a costly and frustrating reality. However, the good news is that affordable options are now available, making it easier for families to communicate with their incarcerated loved ones without the high costs. This article will guide you through how cheap inmate phone calls work and how they can help make staying in touch more affordable.

For years, high phone bills have been a significant challenge for families who want to maintain regular contact with someone behind bars. Fortunately, some services are now offering affordable alternatives for prison calls, cutting down on the costs and allowing for more frequent communication. Let’s explore how these services work, the benefits they offer, and how you can use them to stay connected with your loved one.

Why Are Prison Phone Calls So Expensive?

To understand why cheap inmate phone calls are so important, it's worth knowing why prison phone calls used to cost so much. For a long time, telephone services in prisons were provided by private companies that had exclusive contracts with the government. These companies often set their rates, which were very high, sometimes even $1 per minute or more. The reason for these high rates is partly because of the need to maintain secure phone systems. Prison calls need to be monitored and recorded for security, which adds to the cost.

Another factor that made calls so expensive is that many of these companies paid commissions to the prisons in exchange for exclusive rights to provide phone services. This created a situation where both the prison and the phone company benefited financially, but families were left paying high fees. For many people, this meant limited contact with their loved ones and a constant worry about how to pay the bills.

The Effect of High Prison Call Costs on Families

The high cost of prison phone calls can create a lot of problems for families. For many, it becomes a financial burden. With already strained resources due to the emotional toll of having an incarcerated family member, paying for expensive phone calls can be overwhelming. In some cases, families may have to limit how often they talk, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional distance for both the inmates and their loved ones.

The lack of regular communication can also affect the mental health of inmates. Studies show that staying in contact with family members can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while incarcerated. Regular phone calls can also increase the chances of successful reentry into society once the inmate is released. Without affordable options for communication, however, the emotional challenges for both inmates and families can worsen.

Affordable Alternatives for Cheap Inmate Phone Calls

The good news is that there are now affordable alternatives that help reduce the cost of prison phone calls. These services cut out the middleman and work directly with correctional facilities to offer cheaper rates. By partnering directly with prisons, these services provide more affordable options, ensuring that families can stay in touch without breaking the bank.

One of the main ways these services offer lower rates is by cutting out the third-party companies that traditionally handled prison calls. Without the need to pay hefty commissions to these companies, the savings are passed on to families, making the calls much more affordable. Some services even offer unlimited calling plans at a fixed monthly rate, which can be a great way to ensure consistent communication without worrying about high fees.

How Do Cheap Inmate Calls Work?

The process for making cheap prison phone calls is fairly straightforward. These services provide an affordable phone system that connects directly to the prison’s phone network. Instead of using expensive third-party services, families can set up an account with the provider, add funds to the account, and choose the best calling plan for their needs.

For example, a family member can add money to their account and choose a plan that offers discounted rates for calls from the jail. When the inmate calls, the charges will be deducted from the account at a much lower cost than traditional services. This makes it possible to stay in touch more frequently without the worry of expensive phone bills.

The Benefits of Cheap Prison Phone Calls

• Lower Costs: The biggest benefit of cheap inmate phone calls is the reduction in costs. Families no longer need to worry about high per-minute charges that make it hard to keep in touch.

• More Frequent Communication: Lower rates mean that families can talk more often. This helps maintain close emotional connections and ensures that both the inmate and their loved ones feel supported.

• Better Call Quality: Many services that offer cheap inmate calls also provide better call quality. With fewer dropped calls and clearer connections, these services offer a more reliable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

• Flexible Payment Options: These services usually offer flexible payment plans, which makes it easier for families to choose a plan that fits their budget. Whether it’s a pay-as-you-go plan or a fixed monthly subscription, there are options to suit every family’s needs.

• Security and Monitoring: While the calls are more affordable, the services still comply with all the necessary security measures required by prisons, ensuring that all calls are monitored and recorded as needed.

• Peace of Mind: With more affordable calls, families don’t need to stress about phone bills. They can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can stay in touch without worrying about costs.

How to Choose the Best Service for Cheap Inmate Calls

When searching for a provider to make cheap inmate phone calls, there are a few important factors to consider. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best service for your needs:

• Cost: Compare the rates of different services to find the best deal. Some services charge by the minute, while others offer flat-rate plans for unlimited calls.

• Availability: Make sure the service you choose covers the specific correctional facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Not all services are available in every prison or jail.

• Ease of Use: Look for a service that’s easy to use, from setting up an account to adding funds and managing calls. The simpler the process, the less time and frustration you’ll spend on the details.

• Customer Support: Check if the service provides helpful customer support. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, it’s important to have a reliable support team to contact.

• Security and Compliance: Ensure that the service adheres to necessary security protocols, such as call monitoring and recording, as required by correctional facilities.

• Reputation: Read reviews and check feedback from other customers to gauge the reliability and quality of the service. Positive reviews can provide reassurance that the service is trustworthy and dependable.

Conclusion

Staying connected with an incarcerated loved one is crucial for maintaining emotional bonds and offering support. However, the high cost of traditional prison phone calls has often been a barrier for many families. Fortunately, thanks to services that provide affordable inmate phone calls, it’s now possible for families to stay in touch without worrying about the financial strain.

If you're looking for an affordable solution for making prison phone calls, consider Prison Engine. They specialise in providing cheap inmate phone calls, offering an easy and cost-effective way for families to stay connected with their loved ones behind bars.