When you think about the costs of being incarcerated, you probably picture things like meals, clothing, and other daily necessities. However, one of the biggest financial burdens on inmates and their families is often the high cost of telephone calls. These calls, which are essential for staying connected with loved ones, can be incredibly expensive. While keeping in touch with family and friends is important for emotional well-being, the high prices of these calls raise the question: Why are they so expensive, and is there anything that can be done about it?
To understand why inmate phone calls are so expensive, it helps to know that much of the cost comes from the deals made between phone companies and correctional facilities. These companies pay a large percentage of their earnings to the prison or jail in exchange for exclusive rights to provide phone services. This setup leads to inflated call rates, with the facility benefitting from the profits, while inmates and their families are left to bear the financial burden. Unfortunately, the high rates continue to make it difficult for people on the outside to afford regular communication with their incarcerated loved ones.
Why Are Inmate Telephone Call Rates So High?
The main reason inmate telephone calls are so expensive is because of the contracts between private telecom companies and correctional facilities. These contracts usually give one company exclusive rights to provide phone services at the prison or jail, and in return, the company shares a portion of their profits with the facility. Since the prison or jail benefits from the higher prices, it doesn’t have much incentive to lower the rates for inmates and their families.
Another issue is that there is often little competition between phone service providers. Most prisons and jails sign exclusive contracts with just one company, which means inmates and their families can’t shop around for a better deal. Without competition to drive prices down, these companies are free to set high rates without worrying about losing business to another provider.
On top of that, there are often added fees that make calls even more expensive. For example, some facilities charge extra for long-distance calls, connection fees, or even just to set up an account to receive calls. These added costs make it even harder for inmates and their families to afford regular contact.
How Are Inmate Telephone Rates Set?
The way inmate phone rates are determined is not always transparent or fair. The deals between private phone companies and prisons are often made behind closed doors, with little input from the public or families who are directly affected. These agreements are often based on commissions, meaning that the phone companies pay the facilities a percentage of their profits. This system leads to inflated prices, as the more expensive the calls, the more money the prison or jail makes.
In addition to the commission-based system, the technology required to monitor and secure inmate phone calls also adds to the cost. Prisons need to have security systems in place to track and record conversations, which is an essential part of keeping the facility safe. Unfortunately, these security features come with a price tag that is passed on to the people making the calls.
The Impact of High Telephone Rates on Inmates and Families
High telephone rates have a significant impact on both inmates and their families. Communication is vital for inmates, as it helps them stay connected to the outside world and maintain strong relationships with their loved ones. When phone calls become too expensive, families may struggle to stay in touch, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional strain. This can make the difficult experience of incarceration even harder to cope with.
For families, the financial burden of paying for inmate calls is often overwhelming. Many family members have to choose between paying for phone calls and covering other essential expenses, such as food or medical care. As a result, some families are forced to limit the number of calls they can make, which can lead to frustration and sadness.
Additionally, when inmates are unable to regularly communicate with their families, it can affect their mental health and well-being. Maintaining strong family bonds is proven to reduce the chances of reoffending after release, but when inmates can’t afford to stay in touch, it can hinder their rehabilitation and chances of successful reintegration into society.
What Can You Do to Lower Inmate Phone Call Costs?
While the high cost of inmate phone calls is a serious issue, there are some ways to reduce the financial burden. One option is to look for services that offer discounted rates for calls to inmates. Some companies offer prepaid accounts or calling cards that allow families to add funds and pay for calls at lower rates. These options can be a more affordable way to keep in touch with incarcerated loved ones.
It’s also worth checking if the correctional facility offers any programmes to reduce the cost of calls. Some jails and prisons have partnerships with community organisations to provide free or discounted calls during certain times of the year, such as holidays. These programmes can be a great way to save money while staying connected.
Another way to help lower phone costs is to do your research and explore different options. Some services allow you to set up an account with a particular provider, while others give you the ability to schedule calls or receive messages online. By comparing options, you can find the best deal and avoid paying extra fees.
Finally, don’t forget the power of advocacy. Many families and organisations are fighting to lower inmate telephone rates. You can get involved by supporting campaigns or raising awareness about the issue. By working together, it’s possible to create a system that treats inmate phone calls as a right, not a privilege to be exploited for profit.
Conclusion: The Need for Reform and Solutions
The high cost of inmate telephone calls is a serious issue that affects both inmates and their families. These inflated rates make it harder for families to stay connected and provide essential support to their incarcerated loved ones. While the problem is complex, there are steps that can be taken to lower costs, such as using discount services, checking for free calling programmes, and advocating for reform.
If you’re looking for more ways to manage inmate phone call costs, you can find helpful resources at Prison Engine. Staying informed and taking action can make a difference, and together, they can work towards a system where inmate communication is affordable and accessible to all.
