Stay connected with your incarcerated loved one: take action with informed phone calls. This guide equips you with exactly what you need to set up your account, handle collect calls, and keep costs in check—so you can support them today.
Table Of Contents
Understanding Inmate Phone Systems
Prisons and jails use third-party phone services, such as Securus, GTL (ViaPath), and ICSolutions. The facility's website or the inmate will tell you which provider is used.
Inmates place all calls—you cannot call them. They dial approved numbers, and recipients must accept and/or pay for the call.
First-Time Account Setup
To receive calls from an inmate, you often need to set up an account with the facility's phone provider. Here's how to get started:
- Find the Provider: Ask your loved one or check the facility's website to identify the phone service provider.
- Create an Account: Visit the provider's website and create a new account using your name, address, and contact information. You will need to verify your identity and provide the phone number(s) you want to use.
- Add Funds: Most providers require you to prepay for calls. You can add funds via credit/debit card, MoneyGram, Western Union, or sometimes by mail. Some providers also offer mobile apps.
- Link to Inmate: Enter the inmate's ID number and select the facility. This step ensures funds are directed to the right account.
- Set Call Preferences: Choose whether to accept all calls, block calls, or set spending limits.
- Verify Your Number: Some providers may call your phone or send a code to verify you own the number.
Types of Calls: Collect vs. Prepaid
Understanding the different types of calls available will help you choose the best option for staying connected with your loved one.
Collect Calls
The inmate places a call, and you (the recipient) are charged when you accept it. Some cell phone providers block collect calls, so check your carrier's policy.
Prepaid Calls
Funds are deposited in advance into an account. Charges are deducted as calls are made. This is often the most reliable and cost-effective option.
Debit Calls
The inmate pays for calls using their commissary account. You can deposit money into the inmate's account for this purpose.
Accepting Your First Call
When your loved one calls for the first time, you'll typically hear a recording identifying the call as coming from a correctional facility. You'll be prompted to accept or decline the call, and you may be told about call rates. The call may be monitored or recorded.
If you haven't set up an account or don't have funds available, the call may not go through. Some providers allow a one-time free connection so you can set up your account after the call.
Video Call Facilities
Many correctional facilities in the US now offer video visitation as an alternative or supplement to traditional phone calls. These video calls are provided through the same companies that handle phone services, such as Securus and GTL.
How Video Visitation Works
- From Home: Video visits can be conducted from your computer or smartphone using the provider's platform.
- On-Site: Some facilities offer on-site video terminals for in-person video visits.
- Scheduling: Video visits must usually be scheduled in advance, similar to phone calls.
- Account Setup: You may need to set up a separate account or add funds specifically for video calls.
- Monitoring: Video calls are subject to monitoring and recording, with similar rules about approved contact lists.
- Costs: Fees for video calls can be higher than regular phone calls, and time limits are typically enforced.
Video visitation can be especially valuable for families who live far from the facility or cannot make in-person visits due to distance, health, or scheduling conflicts.
Call Costs and Limits
- Call rates vary by facility and provider, but can be high—sometimes over $1 per minute.
- Calls are usually limited to 15–30 minutes. Calls may be automatically disconnected at the end of the period.
- There may be weekly or monthly limits on total call time.
Major Prison Phone Providers by State and Sample Rates (2024)
Comprehensive provider and rate information for all 50 states
Here is a comprehensive table listing the major inmate phone providers and sample call rates for all 50 U.S. states, as of 2026. Please note that rates and providers can change, and some states or counties may have multiple providers or exceptions. For the most accurate information, always refer to the specific correctional facility's website or contact the provider directly.
| State | Major Telephone Provider | Rate / Min |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | GTL/ViaPath | $3.15 |
| Alaska | Securus | $3.15 |
| Arizona | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Arkansas | Securus | $2.55 |
| California | GTL/ViaPath | Free |
| Colorado | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Connecticut | Securus | Free |
| Delaware | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Florida | Securus | $1.95 |
| Georgia | Securus | $1.65 |
| Hawaii | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Idaho | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Illinois | Securus | $0.23 |
| Indiana | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Iowa | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Kansas | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Kentucky | Securus | $2.55 |
| Louisiana | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Maine | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Maryland | GTL/ViaPath | $1.50 |
| Massachusetts | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Michigan | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Minnesota | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Mississippi | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Missouri | Securus | $2.55 |
| Montana | CenturyLink | $2.25 |
| Nebraska | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Nevada | Securus | $2.55 |
| New Hampshire | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| New Jersey | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| New Mexico | Securus | $2.55 |
| New York | Securus | Free |
| North Carolina | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| North Dakota | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Ohio | GTL/ViaPath | $2.25 |
| Oklahoma | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Oregon | Telmate | $2.50 |
| Pennsylvania | GTL/ViaPath | $0.25 |
| Rhode Island | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| South Carolina | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| South Dakota | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Tennessee | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Texas | Securus | $2.55 |
| Utah | Securus | $2.55 |
| Vermont | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Virginia | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Washington | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| West Virginia | GTL/ViaPath | $2.60 |
| Wisconsin | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Wyoming | ICSolutions | $2.25 |
| Federal (BOP) | ICSolutions | $3.15 |
Tips for Managing Inmate Calls
- Budget Wisely: Track your spending and set limits in your account to avoid unexpected charges.
- Stay Updated: Providers, rates, and rules may change. Check the facility's website for updates.
- Blocked Calls: Some phone carriers block inmate calls by default. If you have trouble, contact your carrier to unblock the number.
- International Calls: Most systems do not support international calls. Ask the facility for alternatives if you live outside the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Connected
Staying connected by phone can provide comfort and stability to your loved one. With the right setup and planning, you can maintain regular communication throughout their incarceration. Remember to check with the specific facility for the most up-to-date information about their phone system and policies.