Affordable Ways to Connect with Your Loved Ones: Cheap Prison Calls Explained

 

Keeping in contact with a loved one in prison can be emotionally draining and costly. For many, the steep fees associated with prison phone calls make it difficult to maintain regular communication. In some instances, the financial burden becomes so heavy that friends and family members are forced to stop trying to stay in touch. However, the good news is that there are more affordable alternatives for making prison calls. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and cost-effective options to help you stay connected without breaking the bank.

Why Are Prison Calls So Expensive?

In Australia, inmates usually rely on phone calls as one of the main ways to communicate with their family and friends. This can include everything from emotional support to legal advice. However, many people don’t realise how expensive these calls can be. Rates can range from $5 to $10 per minute, depending on the facility and whether the call is local or long-distance.

One of the main reasons for these high rates is the relationship between correctional facilities and telecommunications providers. These companies often charge inflated rates for inmate calls, and the prison or jail gets a share of the profits. This creates a system where families are left with hefty phone bills, sometimes making it impossible for them to afford regular communication.

Because of these high prices, many people feel disconnected from their loved ones behind bars. However, there are ways to reduce the costs without sacrificing regular contact.

How to Make Prison Calls More Affordable

Now that we understand why inmate calls are so expensive, let’s explore some affordable ways to save money while staying in touch with your loved one.

1. Use Inmate Communication Services with Lower Rates

Some services specialise in offering cheaper phone rates for inmate communication. These companies often negotiate directly with correctional facilities to provide lower-cost phone calls than traditional prison phone providers. By choosing these services, you can save money while still maintaining regular communication with your loved one.

These services often provide prepaid or subscription-based plans, allowing you to manage your spending. With a prepaid account, you add funds in advance, and the cost of your calls is deducted as you use them. This approach helps you stay within your budget and prevents surprise charges.

2. Try Prepaid Phone Cards

Another affordable option for cheap jail phone calls is using prepaid phone cards. These cards often offer lower rates for local and long-distance calls compared to standard prison phone services. Many prepaid phone cards also come with packages that let you buy a set number of minutes at a discounted rate, giving you more value for your money.

Using prepaid phone cards can help you keep track of how many minutes are left, allowing you to manage your budget and avoid running out of funds unexpectedly. This is a great way to ensure you can continue communicating without the shock of a big bill at the end of the month.

3. Explore Email and Video Calling Services

While phone calls are the most common way to communicate with inmates, there are other affordable options available. Some prisons offer email and video calling services, which can be much cheaper than regular phone calls.

Email services allow you to send written messages to your loved one, which can be more affordable than phone calls. Some facilities also offer video calling, giving you the chance to have face-to-face conversations without the high costs of traditional calls. These services can be a good alternative to expensive phone calls, providing more affordable and flexible ways to stay connected.

4. Call During Off-Peak Hours

Some correctional facilities offer lower rates for phone calls made during off-peak hours. These are typically times when fewer people are using the phone lines, like late at night or on weekends. If you can time your calls during these hours, you may be able to take advantage of cheaper rates.

Before making a call, ask the facility about their off-peak hours to see if you can plan your calls for these times. By being flexible with your calling schedule, you can save money while still staying in touch with your loved one.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Account Balance

If you’re using a prepaid phone card or account, it's important to regularly check your balance to make sure you’re not overspending. Many services offer online account tracking, allowing you to see how many minutes are left and how much you’ve spent. This helps you avoid running out of funds unexpectedly and ensures that you stay within your budget.

By monitoring your account, you can also adjust your calling habits if needed. For example, if you're running low on minutes, you can decide to limit the number of calls or switch to a more affordable service to stay within your budget.

6. Create a Call Group with Family and Friends

If more than one person in your family or circle of friends wants to stay in touch with the same inmate, consider forming a call group. In this arrangement, one person can act as the main contact for the inmate, and others can contribute to the cost of the calls. This way, you can split the cost of calls, making it more affordable for everyone involved.

Before setting up a call group, check with the correctional facility to ensure group calls are allowed. Some facilities may have rules about who can be on a call or how many people can join, so it’s important to confirm the details before moving forward.

7. Look for Alternative Call Providers

There are sometimes alternative call providers that offer lower rates for inmate calls compared to the regular prison phone services. These providers may specialise in long-distance or international calls, offering more affordable options for inmates who are located far away from their families.

Researching alternative providers can help you find better deals for cheap inmate calls. By comparing different services, you can ensure you’re getting the best rates available for your situation.

Conclusion: Affordable Communication Is Possible

Staying in touch with a loved one in prison doesn’t have to be expensive. By using affordable communication services, taking advantage of off-peak hours, and managing your budget effectively, you can make cheap prison calls without spending a fortune. Keeping the lines of communication open is important for maintaining strong relationships, and it doesn’t have to come with high costs.

If you want to learn more about affordable ways to stay connected with your incarcerated loved one, visit Prison Engine. We offer reliable and cost-effective solutions to help you keep in touch without the worry of expensive phone bills. By exploring your options, you can find the best ways to stay close, even when distance and circumstances make communication challenging.