Communication Providers Directory
Browse and compare inmate communication providers. Filter by service type to find which providers offer messaging, video visits, phone calls, and more.
Provider availability varies by facility. Always confirm the correct provider for the specific correctional institution before setting up an account.
Inmate communication providers are companies that contract with correctional facilities to provide messaging, phone calls, video visitation, photo sharing, and money transfer services. Every facility works with specific providers under exclusive contracts. You cannot choose your preferred provider — you must use whichever company the facility has contracted with for each service type.
The provider you need depends entirely on where your loved one is incarcerated. Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities use CorrLinks for messaging and ConnectNetwork for phone calls. Most state prisons use JPay or Securus. County jails commonly use GettingOut or ConnectNetwork. Use the facility directory to find the correct provider for your specific location before creating any account.
Provider Quick Reference
JPay — Best for State Prisons
JPay serves over 35 states and 1,000+ state prison facilities. Uses a stamp-based messaging system. Also offers video visits, photo sharing, and money transfers. Does not serve federal prisons.
CorrLinks — Only Option for Federal Prisons
CorrLinks is the exclusive messaging platform for all federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. The inmate must initiate contact first. Text messaging only — no photo attachments as of 2025. Free for outside contacts to create an account.
ConnectNetwork — Widest Coverage
ConnectNetwork by GTL serves 1,800+ facilities across all 50 states including county jails, state prisons, and federal facilities. Handles phone calls, video visits, messaging, and money transfers under one account.
GettingOut — Best for County Jails
GettingOut by Telmate serves 2,200+ county jails across 45 states. Known for its well-reviewed mobile app and video visitation focus. If your loved one is in a county jail, GettingOut is one of the first providers to check.
Securus Technologies — Large County Jail Network
Securus serves 1,200+ facilities across 45 states, primarily county jails and some state prisons. Provides phone calls, video visits, and messaging. Free Securus Mobile app available for iOS and Android.
TextBehind and Pigeonly — When Electronic Messaging Is Not Available
TextBehind and Pigeonly convert your digital messages and photos into physical printed mail delivered to the inmate. These services work at nearly any facility that accepts mail, making them useful when electronic messaging is not available.
15 providers
JPay
35+ states
Messaging, photos, and money transfer for state inmates
ConnectNetwork
50+ states
Phone, video, and messaging for federal and county facilities
GettingOut
45+ states
Video visitation and messaging for county jails nationwide
CorrLinks
50+ states
Official federal Bureau of Prisons email communication system
TextBehind
25+ states
Simple messaging and photo delivery for incarcerated loved ones
SmartInmate
20+ states
All-in-one messaging, photos, and video platform for families
Pigeonly
50+ states
Letter writing, photo printing, and low-cost calling for families
Securus Technologies
45+ states
Phone, video, and messaging for county jails and state prisons
GTL (ViaPath Technologies)
30+ states
State prison phone and video visits across 30+ states
ICSolutions
15+ states
Phone and video communication for county jails and detention centers
Access Corrections
50+ states
Commissary deposits and money transfers for incarcerated individuals
HomeWAV
30+ states
Software-only video visitation and messaging for county jails
NCIC Inmate Communications
20+ states
Phone, tablet, and video services for regional correctional facilities
TouchPay
50+ states
Kiosk and online commissary deposits for correctional facilities
City Tele Coin
12+ states
Inmate phone calls and communication services for county facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which provider to use?
Search our facility directory for the specific facility where your loved one is housed. Each facility page lists which providers are available for messaging, phone calls, video visits, and money transfers. You can also call the facility directly and ask.
Can I use one account for all providers?
No. Each provider is a separate company with its own account system. If your loved one is at a JPay facility, you need a JPay account. If they transfer to a CorrLinks facility, you need a separate CorrLinks account. You cannot use one account across different providers.
Are provider accounts free to create?
Yes. Creating an account on JPay, CorrLinks, ConnectNetwork, GettingOut, and Securus is free. You pay only when you send messages, make calls, schedule video visits, or transfer money. Always start with a small initial deposit to confirm the platform works correctly before adding a large balance.