ConnectNetwork
Phone, video, and messaging for federal and county facilities
- 50+
- States Covered
- 1,800+
- Facilities Supported
- 4 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
ConnectNetwork Inmate Communication Overview
ConnectNetwork is the consumer-facing platform operated by GTL (Global Tel Link), one of the largest correctional communication companies in the United States. The platform serves more than 1,800 facilities across all 50 states, including federal Bureau of Prisons institutions, state prisons, and county jails. GTL and its affiliated brands — including ViaPath Technologies — have operated within the corrections industry for decades, and ConnectNetwork is the primary account portal through which families fund phone calls, schedule video visits, and send money to incarcerated loved ones under GTL contracts.
The platform's strength is its breadth. ConnectNetwork serves both federal facilities under Bureau of Prisons contracts and a wide range of county and state correctional institutions. For families navigating a federal facility, ConnectNetwork is often the correct platform for phone account funding and video visits, while CorrLinks handles the separate electronic messaging function. At county jails and some state facilities, ConnectNetwork may serve as the single platform for phone, video, and money transfers under a facility-specific GTL contract. Understanding which services ConnectNetwork handles at a specific facility requires checking the facility's provider contract.
Creating a ConnectNetwork account is free. Families can set up an AdvancePay account linked to their phone number, which allows incarcerated individuals to call them directly using facility phones. Video visits are scheduled through the same account and require a device with a working camera. Money transfers for commissary accounts can also be processed through ConnectNetwork, with funds credited according to the facility's processing schedule. The ConnectNetwork mobile app is available on iOS and Android and consolidates phone account management, video scheduling, and money deposits in one interface.
ConnectNetwork Services
Communication services offered by ConnectNetwork and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging available at select facilities through GTL's messaging platform.
Messaging availability varies by facility. Not all ConnectNetwork facilities offer electronic messaging.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule remote video visits through your ConnectNetwork account. Available at participating facilities.
Requires a device with camera. Must schedule in advance. Walk-in video visits are not available.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Photo sharing is not available through ConnectNetwork.
For digital photo services, consider JPay or TextBehind if available at the facility.
Phone Calls
Fund an AdvancePay account linked to your phone number to receive inmate-initiated calls. Rates vary by facility contract.
Rates are regulated by the FCC for interstate calls. In-state rates may vary.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Send funds to inmate trust accounts via debit card, credit card, or Western Union.
Processing fees apply. Funds typically credited within one to two business days.
Set Up Money TransferConnectNetwork Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
All 50 states, including federal BOP facilities
Coverage Notes
ConnectNetwork/GTL is one of the few providers serving federal Bureau of Prisons facilities in addition to state and county institutions. Coverage for specific services (phone, video, messaging) varies by individual facility contract.
Facilities Served by ConnectNetwork
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
ConnectNetwork Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
ConnectNetwork Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Phone Calls
- Interstate rates regulated. In-state rates may vary by contract.
- $0.14–$0.25/min
- Video Visit
- Session pricing varies by facility.
- $0.49/min or flat
- Money Transfer Fee
- Depends on transfer amount and payment method.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the ConnectNetwork website before use.
ConnectNetwork — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of ConnectNetwork.
Strengths
- Widest facility coverage, serving all 50 states including federal BOP institutions.
- Single account can cover phone, video, and money transfer at many facilities.
- Regulated interstate calling rates provide some cost protection.
- Mobile app consolidates account management across services.
- Long-established platform with proven reliability at thousands of facilities.
Limitations
- Photo sharing not available through ConnectNetwork.
- Messaging availability varies widely by facility and is not universally offered.
- In-state calling rates can be significantly higher than interstate rates.
- User interface can feel dated compared to newer platforms.
- Customer service quality varies depending on facility type and location.
Frequently Asked Questions: ConnectNetwork
Common questions from families about using ConnectNetwork.
- What is the difference between ConnectNetwork and GTL?
- ConnectNetwork is the consumer-facing brand name for the platform operated by GTL (Global Tel Link), now also known as ViaPath Technologies. GTL holds the facility contracts, while ConnectNetwork is the portal families use to manage accounts. They are the same underlying service.
- Does ConnectNetwork work at federal prisons?
- Yes. ConnectNetwork/GTL serves many federal Bureau of Prisons facilities for phone calls, video visits, and money transfers. However, for electronic messaging at federal facilities, you still need a CorrLinks account — messaging at BOP facilities is handled exclusively through the TRULINCS/CorrLinks system.
- How do I set up phone calls through ConnectNetwork?
- Create a free account at connectnetwork.com. Set up an AdvancePay account linked to your phone number and add funds via debit card, credit card, or Western Union. Once your account is funded, the incarcerated individual can call your number directly from facility phones. You cannot initiate calls. All calls are inmate-initiated.
- Can I send photos through ConnectNetwork?
- No. ConnectNetwork does not offer a photo sharing service. If photo sharing is available at the facility you need, check whether JPay or TextBehind serves that location — those platforms offer digital photo delivery.
- How do I schedule a video visit through ConnectNetwork?
- Log into your ConnectNetwork account and navigate to the video visitation section. Search for the facility, select an available time slot, and complete the booking. You will need a device with a working camera and a stable internet connection. Schedule visits at least 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Compare ConnectNetwork With Other Providers
See how this provider stacks up against the alternatives.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Get Started with ConnectNetwork
Visit the official ConnectNetwork website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.