How to Set Up Phone Calls with an Inmate: Requirements & Services
How to Set Up Phone Calls with an Inmate: Requirements & Services
How to Set Up Phone Calls with an Inmate: Requirements & Services
Hearing the voice of a loved one is the most powerful way to feel connected. In the United States, inmate phone calls are highly regulated but accessible. Unlike many systems that require physical paperwork to be mailed to the prison, the U.S. system relies on approved digital service providers.
At Sendinmatemail, we help you bridge the gap with letters, but we also want you to be ready for that first phone call. Here is how the setup works in the U.S.
1. Registering Your Number
Before an inmate can call you, your phone number must be "registered" and "cleared."
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Approved List: Most facilities require the inmate to add your name and number to their Inmate Telephone List.
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Verification: Depending on the facility's security level, the prison may verify the ownership of the phone line. You generally do not need to mail a physical bill, but you must register your details online with the facility’s chosen vendor.
2. Choosing the Right Service Provider
U.S. prisons use specific third-party companies for phone services. You must create an account with the vendor that handles your loved one's facility:
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Securus Technologies: Used by many state and county facilities.
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Global Tel Link (GTL / ViaPath): One of the largest providers for state and federal prisons.
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IC Solutions: Another common provider for local jails.
3. Setting Up a Prepaid Account (AdvancePay)
Inmates cannot call you "for free" unless it is a rare emergency. There are two ways to pay:
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Prepaid Accounts: You create an account (like AdvancePay through GTL) and deposit money. When the inmate calls you, the cost is deducted from your balance.
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Inmate Debit: The inmate uses money from their own Commissary (Trust) Account to pay for the call.
4. Rules and Restrictions
To ensure your calls aren't blocked, keep these rules in mind:
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No Call Forwarding: Using "3-way calling" or forwarding the call to another person will result in an immediate automatic disconnection.
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Recording: Almost all calls are recorded and monitored by prison staff (except for verified legal calls to attorneys).
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Cell Phones vs. Landlines: In the past, only landlines were allowed. Today, most U.S. providers allow you to register and receive calls on your mobile phone.
The Perfect Combination: Letters & Calls
Phone calls are great for instant connection, but they are often short (usually limited to 15-20 minutes) and can be expensive.
Sendinmatemail provides the perfect balance. Use our service to send long letters, detailed updates, and photos that your loved one can hold onto and look at every day—then use your phone calls to talk about those memories in real-time.
Ready to start the conversation? [Send a letter to let them know you're ready for their call.]