.jpg)
Staying connected with loved ones is crucial for prisoners, as regular communication helps maintain relationships and provides emotional support. However, prison phone calls can be quite expensive, making it difficult for inmates and their families to keep in touch. To alleviate the financial burden, there are several effective ways to reduce the cost of these calls. Below are the top five strategies to help lower the cost of prison phone calls and ensure you can stay connected without overspending.
One of the simplest ways to reduce prison phone call costs is by taking advantage of off-peak hours. Phone rates are typically lower during these times, which are generally between 6 PM and 8 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends. By scheduling calls during these periods, both inmates and their families can save money.
For example, calling a landline during peak hours (8 AM to 6 PM) can cost around 7p per minute, while off-peak rates drop to 6p per minute. This difference may seem small, but over time, especially for frequent calls, the savings can be significant. For those who call mobile numbers, which can be even more expensive (around 18p per minute), sticking to off-peak hours becomes even more important.
Plan your calls for weekends or late evenings when rates are the lowest. Coordinating a regular schedule with your loved one can help ensure you make the most of off-peak rates.
While phone calls are an immediate way to stay in touch, they aren't the only method of communication available to prisoners and their families. Letters, prison visits, and voicemail services are often more affordable or free, making them great alternatives for those looking to cut down on call costs.
Letters:
Sending letters may seem old-fashioned, but it's a low-cost and effective way to communicate. Stamps and paper are much cheaper than frequent phone calls, and many prisoners find that writing letters helps them express their thoughts more clearly. In some prisons, inmates may receive a limited number of free stamps and paper each month.
Visits:
In-person prison visits are another cost-effective way to maintain contact. Though you may need to factor in travel expenses, you can avoid phone charges altogether during visits. Many UK prisons also offer free or subsidised travel schemes for low-income families to help cover these costs.
Voicemail:
Some UK prisons have adopted voicemail services, allowing prisoners to leave a voice message for their loved ones. Family members can then retrieve the voicemail at their convenience. Voicemail systems tend to be more affordable than live phone calls, especially if you only need to leave a brief message.
Consider a combination of letters and visits with occasional phone calls to manage costs while maintaining consistent communication.
Another easy way to reduce prison phone call costs is by calling a landline instead of a mobile phone. Calls to landlines are significantly cheaper, and by ensuring your loved one has access to a landline number, you can drastically cut down on the overall call expenses.
For instance, calling a landline typically costs 8p per minute, while calls to mobile phones cost around 18p per minute. Over the course of several calls, this difference can add up, especially if you or the inmate are making daily or frequent phone calls.
If you don’t have a landline phone at home, consider setting up a Virtual Landline service. With Virtual Landline, you can receive calls from a landline number directly to your mobile phone, reducing the cost of calls made from prison payphones. This allows you to maintain the convenience of mobile communication while benefiting from the lower landline rates.
If you regularly communicate with an inmate, consider investing in a Virtual Landline service, which could save you a considerable amount in the long run.
Many prisoners rely on money sent from family members to top up their phone credit. To make the most out of this, families need to be strategic about how they manage these funds. Simply sending money isn’t always enough; making sure the inmate uses their phone credit wisely can help reduce overall costs.
Budgeting phone credit:
Inmates should create a weekly or monthly budget for their phone credit, setting aside specific amounts for important calls. Avoiding unnecessary or overly long calls can help stretch phone credit further.
Monitor call patterns:
Keep track of when and how long calls are being made. By understanding the inmate’s calling habits, you can help them adjust the timing or frequency of calls to maximize credit.
For example, if an inmate spends too much of their credit during peak hours or on mobile numbers, it may be time to rethink their calling strategy. Families can also provide guidance on planning calls during off-peak hours or using cheaper alternatives like voicemail and letters.
Establish clear communication habits that fit within the available call credit, ensuring that important conversations happen without exceeding the budget.
If you and your loved one communicate frequently, an unlimited monthly plan may be the best option to reduce prison phone call costs. For example, Prison Calls Unlimited offers a monthly plan for £19.99, allowing unlimited calls for a fixed fee.
This plan works by providing you with a dedicated Virtual Landline number, which the inmate can call at a much lower rate. Calls made to landlines are charged at just 6p per minute off-peak, compared to the standard 18p per minute for mobile calls. By subscribing to this unlimited plan, the inmate can make as many calls as needed without worrying about running out of credit.
The service is flexible and convenient, as calls can be routed to your mobile phone, tablet, or computer via the Virtual Landline app. This means you don’t have to be tied to a physical landline phone at home, giving you the freedom to take calls on the go.
If you receive frequent calls, the unlimited plan could save you significant amounts over time. It’s also worth noting that this service operates over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so ensure you have a stable connection for the best quality.
Reducing the cost of prison phone calls is not only possible, but it can be straightforward with the right approach. By utilizing strategies such as calling during off-peak hours, opting for landline numbers, and using affordable services like Prison Calls Unlimited, you can ease the financial burden while maintaining essential communication with your loved one. Combining traditional communication methods like letters and visits with a well-managed phone plan ensures that you stay connected without overspending.
.jpg)
.jpg)
