CorrLinks vs ConnectNetwork

CorrLinks and ConnectNetwork are the two primary platforms that families with federal Bureau of Prisons inmates will encounter — not as alternatives to each other, but as complements. CorrLinks is the BOP's official electronic messaging system, used for all email-style communication with federal inmates. ConnectNetwork (operated by GTL/ViaPath) handles phone calls, video visitation, and money transfers at many federal facilities. Understanding that these platforms serve different functions rather than competing for the same service is the essential starting point for navigating federal inmate communication.

The distinction matters practically: many families new to the federal system try to find a single platform that covers everything, similar to how JPay works in state systems. No such platform exists in the federal system. If you want to send electronic messages, you need CorrLinks. If you want to make or receive phone calls or schedule video visits, you need ConnectNetwork. Setting up both is not redundant — it is how federal communication works.

This comparison examines both platforms to help federal families understand what each does, how to set it up, and what to expect in terms of cost and usability. For families who are primarily evaluating which platform offers more value, ConnectNetwork's broader service set gives it a clear advantage on paper — but since CorrLinks is mandatory for federal messaging, it is not really optional.