Why Are Jail Telephone Calls So Expensive? A Deep Dive

Staying connected with loved ones is important for everyone, but for people in prison, it’s even more crucial. For many prisoners, making phone calls is one of the only ways to keep in touch with family and friends. But there’s a big problem—prison phone calls are often very expensive. Some calls can cost as much as $3 or more per minute, which makes it difficult for families to afford to talk to their loved ones. So, why are these calls so costly? In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons behind the high prices of jail phone calls and explore what could be done to make them cheaper and more accessible for everyone.

The cost of phone calls from jail is a growing issue for families of inmates. Many people are already facing challenges in their lives, and the added stress of paying for expensive calls only makes things harder. Keeping in touch with loved ones is essential for maintaining strong relationships, especially for those who are incarcerated. However, for many families, the cost of staying connected becomes a burden they can’t afford. This article will dive into why prison phone calls are so expensive, what’s driving those costs, and what can be done to make them more affordable.

Why Are Jail Phone Calls So Expensive?

One of the main reasons jail phone calls are so expensive is because private companies provide the service. These companies have contracts with prisons and correctional facilities to offer phone services to inmates. The way these contracts work is that the private companies bid for the right to provide phone services, and the prison system chooses the company with the best deal—often the one that will bring in the most revenue. These companies then set the prices for calls, which can be extremely high.

Another reason for the high costs is the commissions that these companies pay to prisons. When a phone call is made from a jail, a portion of the money from the call goes to the prison or local government. This creates a situation where prisons have an interest in keeping prices high because they earn money from these calls. The companies providing the service are more than happy to charge high prices since they know that inmates and their families don’t have many other options. This partnership between private companies and the prison system often leads to higher rates for calls, which means families are stuck paying more than they can afford.

Furthermore, providing phone services in prisons is more expensive than providing regular phone services. Prisons require extra security and monitoring to ensure that the calls are not misused. This includes recording the calls, monitoring them for illegal activity, and keeping communication secure. All these additional steps increase the cost of the service, and those extra costs are passed on to the person making the call. In many cases, only a small number of companies are allowed to provide these services, which means there is little competition. Without competition, companies can charge whatever they want, and prices stay high.

Who’s Behind These High Prices?

Telecommunications companies play a huge role in why prison phone calls are so expensive. These companies sign contracts with the Department of Corrections or other government agencies that run prisons. The contracts usually last for several years and can be very profitable for both the prison and the service provider. However, these deals often allow the companies to set high prices for phone calls since the prison system isn’t responsible for covering the cost. Instead, the families of inmates are left to pay.

These companies are also the ones who set the fees that come with each call. For example, there may be a fee for setting up the call or for maintaining the service. In some cases, the price varies based on how long the call lasts, where the call is going, and what time of day it is. All of these factors make it difficult for families to predict how much they’ll be paying each month, and often they end up paying far more than expected.

How Do Expensive Calls Affect Inmates and Their Families?

The high cost of phone calls impacts both the inmates and their families. For inmates, staying in touch with loved ones is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. Talking to family members helps them feel less isolated and can improve their chances of successful reintegration when they’re released. However, when phone calls are too expensive, inmates may not be able to talk to their families as often, which can make their time in prison even harder.

For families, the financial burden of paying for these calls can be overwhelming. Many families of prisoners are already struggling financially. The cost of food, rent, and other necessities often leaves little room in the budget for expensive phone calls. As a result, some families can’t afford to stay in touch with their loved ones regularly, which can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and emotional strain. The situation becomes even worse when people are forced to choose between paying for phone calls or paying for their basic needs.

High prison phone rates also create inequality. People with more money can afford to stay in touch with their loved ones regularly, while those with less money struggle to maintain contact. This creates a situation where communication with prisoners is limited to the wealthier families, while others may only be able to talk to their loved ones occasionally or not at all.

What Can Be Done to Lower the Costs?

There are a few ways the costs of prison phone calls could be reduced. One potential solution is for the government to regulate the prices that private companies can charge for prison calls. By setting price caps, the government could make it so that families don’t have to pay excessive amounts for a phone call. Price caps would create fairer rates for everyone and help ensure that phone calls are affordable for all families, not just those who can afford to pay high prices.

Another solution could involve introducing more affordable communication options, like email. Some prisons have already started offering email services for inmates, which allows them to stay in touch with family and friends at a lower cost. Although not all prisons offer this service yet, expanding access to email and other low-cost communication methods could help families stay connected without breaking the bank. Services like Email a Prisoner Melbourne have already made it easier for families to send messages to inmates without the high cost of phone calls.

Additionally, companies like Prison Connect are working on providing cheaper alternatives to traditional jail phone calls. These services offer more affordable options for staying in touch with loved ones in prison, which can ease the financial burden on families. By using technology to reduce costs, it’s possible to create a system where inmates can maintain strong connections with their families without being forced to pay high prices.

Conclusion

The high cost of prison phone calls is a problem that affects both inmates and their families. The current system, which involves private companies providing phone services and paying commissions to prisons, creates a situation where prices are inflated and families are left struggling to pay for communication. However, there are potential solutions that could make these calls more affordable, such as setting price caps, offering alternative communication methods like email, and using more affordable services like Prison Connect. These changes could help reduce the financial burden on families and allow inmates to maintain vital connections with their loved ones. For more information about how to reduce the cost of jail calls and stay in touch with loved ones in prison, check out Prison Engine.