How to Get Cheap Jail Calls and Avoid Overpriced Phone Charges

Staying connected with someone who is incarcerated is important, whether it's for emotional support, legal matters, or just keeping up with their life. Unfortunately, one of the biggest barriers to maintaining regular communication is the high cost of phone calls from jail. In many cases, these calls can cost an outrageous amount of money, with some families paying up to $10 or more per minute. This can make it incredibly difficult for families to keep in touch with their loved ones in jail.

So how can you avoid these high charges and still stay connected? The good news is there are ways to lower the cost of jail calls and even avoid the high prices altogether. Jail phone services are often controlled by private companies, but there are steps you can take to find cheaper alternatives and get better rates. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons jail calls are so expensive, ways to reduce the cost, and some helpful resources to ensure you can keep in touch with your loved one without the financial burden.

Why Are Jail Calls So Expensive?

Before we talk about ways to save money, it’s helpful to understand why phone calls from jail are so expensive. There are several reasons behind these high charges. For one, most correctional facilities have contracts with private phone companies to provide the phone services. These companies often charge high rates to make a profit, and the families of inmates are the ones who end up paying.

One reason the prices are so high is the lack of competition. Many jails and prisons only work with one specific phone service provider, which means families have no choice but to pay whatever rates are set by that provider. This gives the company little incentive to offer cheaper options or lower rates. Additionally, these phone services often include extra fees, like connection fees and maintenance fees, that add to the cost of every call.

Another reason for the high costs is the technology involved. Jail calls are not like regular phone calls. They go through a system that monitors and records every conversation for security purposes, which adds extra costs to manage the equipment and personnel needed to oversee these calls.

What Factors Affect Jail Phone Costs?

There are a few key factors that can influence how much a jail phone call costs. Understanding these can help you find ways to save money:

1. The Location of the Jail: The cost of phone calls can vary depending on where the inmate is located. Different states, counties, and jails have different pricing for their phone services. Even though some states have tried to lower these costs, they still vary from place to place.

2. Type of Call: The type of call being made affects the price. Collect calls (where the recipient pays) are often more expensive than prepaid calls or those made through other services. Prepaid calls, where you load money onto an account ahead of time, can sometimes be cheaper, but they still may not be as affordable as you’d like.

3. Call Duration: Some phone services limit how long inmates can talk on the phone, which means a shorter conversation. If the call exceeds the limit, extra fees might be added. In some cases, calls are automatically cut off after a certain amount of time, making it hard to have a full conversation without interruptions.

4. Connection Fees: Many phone services charge a connection fee, which is a one-time fee every time a call is made, regardless of how long it lasts. These fees can quickly add up, especially if calls are frequent.

5. Service Provider: Different phone service providers may charge different rates. Some companies have higher prices due to their infrastructure and business costs, while others might offer cheaper plans depending on their contracts with the jails.

How to Get Cheap Jail Calls

Now that we understand why prison calls are so expensive, let’s look at some simple ways to lower the costs and make these calls more affordable.

1. Research the Phone Providers for the Jail

Start by finding out which company provides phone services for the specific jail where your loved one is being held. Some jails have partnerships with companies that charge lower rates, while others may work with providers that are more expensive. If you can find out who the phone provider is, you can compare prices and find the most affordable option. Many jails list their phone providers and the associated rates online or in inmate information packets.

2. Use Prepaid Accounts or Prepaid Calling Cards

Many phone services offer prepaid accounts that allow you to load money onto an account to pay for calls. This helps you avoid collect call fees and gives you better control over the cost of the calls. Prepaid calling cards work the same way—by loading money onto the card, you can make calls from the jail at a fixed rate. Although prepaid accounts are not always the cheapest option, they usually offer more control over your spending and fewer unexpected fees.

3. Try Third-Party Services

There are third-party services that act as intermediaries between you and the jail’s phone system, allowing you to make calls at a lower rate. These services often offer discounted rates compared to the regular jail phone providers. While these services can vary, many of them offer cheaper rates for frequent calls and may be more transparent about their pricing. However, always check the fees and read reviews before committing to ensure the service is reliable.

4. Check for State or Local Laws

In some places, state or local laws have been put in place to help reduce the cost of jail phone calls. For example, certain states have limited how much companies can charge for phone calls from jails and prisons. If you live in one of these states, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates. Be sure to check your state’s regulations regarding jail phone charges to see if there are any laws that could help reduce the cost. You can also reach out to advocacy groups focused on prison reform, as they often have up-to-date information on pricing laws.

5. Direct Calling Systems

Some jails offer a direct calling system, where inmates can place calls directly without going through a third-party provider. If this option is available, it could be a cheaper alternative to traditional jail phone services. However, setting up a direct calling system might require additional steps or equipment, so it’s worth asking the facility about this option.

6. Look for Free Communication Alternatives

In addition to phone calls, some jails provide other ways to communicate that may be cheaper or even free. For instance, some facilities allow inmates to send emails or text messages to their loved ones for a lower fee. While these alternatives may not fully replace phone calls, they can be a good option to consider if phone calls are too expensive.

Conclusion

Staying in touch with a loved one who is incarcerated doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. By researching the phone providers at the specific jail, using prepaid accounts, and exploring third-party services, you can lower the cost of jail calls and avoid unnecessary fees. Additionally, some states and local regulations may help lower rates, so it’s important to stay informed about any changes in the law. For more guidance on how to save money and navigate the jail phone system, you can check out PrisonEngine, a helpful resource designed to help families manage the costs of communicating with incarcerated loved ones.