Why Prison Phone Calls Are So Expensive
Understand why prison phone calls cost more than regular calls, how FCC regulations have changed pricing, and how to reduce what you spend.
Introduction
Prison phone calls have historically cost far more than regular calls. A 15-minute call that would be free on a smartphone can cost $5 to $15 when placed from a correctional facility.
This guide explains why the costs are so high, what has changed under recent FCC regulations, and how to reduce what you spend on phone communication.
Guide Content
Why the Costs Are So High
Prison phone providers operate under contracts with correctional facilities. These contracts often include a site commission, meaning a portion of every call's revenue goes back to the facility. Facilities use this income for various purposes including inmate programs.
Because the facility selects one provider through an exclusive contract, there is no market competition at the consumer level. The inmate and their family have no choice but to use whatever provider the facility has contracted with, regardless of price.
What the FCC Has Done
The Federal Communications Commission has worked to cap interstate prison call rates. As of recent rulemakings, per-minute interstate rates are capped at $0.21 for prisons and $0.12 for jails. These caps apply to calls that cross state lines.
Intrastate calls, which stay within one state, have historically been harder to regulate at the federal level. Some states have enacted their own caps. Others have not. If the facility and the caller are in the same state, federal caps may not apply.
Understanding the Full Cost
The per-minute rate is only one part of the cost. Connection fees, account setup fees, payment processing fees, and maintenance fees can add $1 to $3 per call on top of the per-minute charge.
A 15-minute call at $0.21 per minute costs $3.15 in rate. With a $3.00 connection fee and a $1.50 payment processing fee from loading funds, the effective cost per call can reach $7.65 or more.
How to Reduce Costs
Use a prepaid account instead of collect calls. Prepaid accounts almost always offer lower per-minute rates and more transparent fees than collect billing.
Load funds in larger amounts when possible. Some providers charge a flat processing fee per deposit regardless of the amount. Depositing $50 at once costs less per dollar than depositing $10 five times.
If digital messaging is available at the facility, it is significantly cheaper than phone calls for most communication. A JPay stamp costs less than $0.50. A 15-minute phone call can cost ten times that.
Key Takeaways
The most important things to remember from this guide.
- Prison call costs are high because providers hold exclusive contracts with facilities, removing market competition.
- Site commissions paid to facilities from call revenue add to the total cost.
- FCC caps apply to interstate calls at $0.21 per minute for prisons and $0.12 for jails.
- Fees beyond the per-minute rate can double or triple the effective cost per call.
- Prepaid accounts offer better rates than collect call billing.
- Digital messaging is a much cheaper alternative for non-urgent communication.
Related Glossary Terms
Key terms you may encounter while reading about Why Prison Phone Calls Are So Expensive.
Inmate Phone Calls
Inmate phone calls are outgoing calls placed by an incarcerated person from a facility phone system to approved contacts, using a prepaid account managed through a contracted provider such as ConnectNetwork or GettingOut.
FinanceMoney Transfer
A money transfer in the correctional system means sending funds to an incarcerated person's inmate account so they can use the balance for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Why Prison Phone Calls Are So Expensive, answered in plain language.
Are prison phone call rates getting lower?
What is a site commission?
Can I negotiate a better rate with the phone provider?
Is messaging always cheaper than calling?
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Inmate Phone Calls?
Inmate phone calls are outgoing calls placed by an incarcerated person from a facility phone system to approved contacts, using a prepaid account managed through a contracted provider such as ConnectNetwork or GettingOut.
Read full definitionWhat is Money Transfer?
A money transfer in the correctional system means sending funds to an incarcerated person's inmate account so they can use the balance for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved services.
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