Cheap Prison Calls:
Virtual Landline for Cheaper Prison Calls

In today's digital age, staying connected with loved ones, especially those incarcerated, has become increasingly important. For families with members in prison, maintaining regular communication can be both a lifeline and a financial burden. Traditional prison call rates can be exorbitant, leaving families seeking more affordable alternatives. One of these alternatives is a virtual landline.

A virtual landline, in simple terms, is a telephone number that isn't tied to a physical phone line. Instead, calls made to or from this number are forwarded to an existing device, such as a mobile phone or computer. For families with loved ones in prison, virtual landlines offer the potential for cheaper communication, as they can bypass the expensive call rates associated with long-distance or mobile calls. But is it really the perfect solution? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of using a virtual landline for cheaper prison calls.

What is a virtual landline?

Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages, it's essential to understand how a virtual landline works. A virtual landline is essentially a service that allows you to use a local or national phone number without needing a physical landline. Calls to this number are forwarded to any device of your choosing, whether it's a mobile phone, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, or even a traditional landline.

This setup is particularly useful for people who want to appear as though they have a local presence or for businesses that require multiple contact numbers without the associated costs of maintaining multiple phone lines.

For those with loved ones in prison, the appeal lies in the fact that virtual landlines can often reduce the cost of calls, especially if the virtual number is local to the prison or if it bypasses long-distance charges.

Pros of using a virtual landline for cheaper prison calls

Cost Savings
The most significant benefit of using a virtual landline is the potential cost savings. Prison calls, particularly those made to mobile phones or long-distance numbers, can be prohibitively expensive. By setting up a virtual landline with a local number, inmates can call that number at the same rate as a local call, which is often significantly cheaper.

For example, if a family lives far away from the prison and their primary contact number is a mobile phone, calls to that mobile number could rack up hefty charges. However, by using a virtual landline with a number local to the prison, these calls may be billed at a much lower rate, easing the financial burden.

Ease of Setup
Setting up a virtual landline is relatively straightforward. Most providers offer online sign-up processes where you can choose your preferred area code or number. Once the service is activated, calls to the virtual number are automatically forwarded to your mobile phone or other devices.

Many services also offer mobile apps that allow users to manage their virtual landline settings easily, giving flexibility in forwarding calls, managing voicemails, or even setting up additional features like call recording or auto-responders.

Flexibility in Contact Numbers
One of the major advantages of a virtual landline is the ability to choose a number that works best for your situation. For instance, if your loved one is moved to a different prison, you can easily switch to a new number that is local to the new facility. This flexibility allows you to adjust to changes in location without changing your entire phone setup.

Additionally, virtual landlines can often support multiple numbers, so you could have separate numbers for different locations or needs. This can be helpful if you have other family members who need to stay in touch with the inmate and would benefit from using the same service.

Accessible from Anywhere
With a virtual landline, you aren't tied to a physical location. Calls to your virtual number can be forwarded to your mobile phone or any device, allowing you to stay connected wherever you are. This is especially beneficial for those who travel frequently or don’t have access to a landline.

For instance, if you're away from home and your loved one in prison calls, the call can be forwarded to your mobile phone, ensuring you don't miss out on vital communication.

Additional Features
Virtual landline providers often offer additional features that can enhance communication. Some services include voicemail, call forwarding, and even call recording. These features can be helpful if you need to keep track of important conversations or ensure that you don't miss any calls.

Furthermore, some providers allow you to customize your service with added features like call queuing, call transfers, or even scheduling specific times for call forwarding, which can be useful in managing prison calls more effectively.

Cons of using a virtual landline for cheaper prison calls

Initial Setup Costs
While virtual landlines are generally cheaper in the long run, there can be some initial setup costs. Depending on the provider, you may need to pay a one-time fee to establish the virtual number. Additionally, there may be monthly subscription fees that, while often reasonable, still represent an added expense.

For some families already struggling with the costs of incarceration, this initial investment might be a financial strain.

Ongoing Subscription Fees
While virtual landlines typically offer savings on call rates, they aren't always free. Most providers charge a monthly fee for the service, which can range from a few pounds to more depending on the features and level of service provided.

Though these fees are often much lower than the cost of long-distance or mobile-to-prison calls, it's essential to factor them into your budget. Over time, these fees can add up, especially if you are using additional features such as call recording or voicemail.

Potential Technical Issues
As with any service reliant on technology, there’s always the potential for technical issues. Some users report problems with call quality, dropped calls, or delayed call forwarding. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to maintain regular communication with a loved one in prison.

Additionally, if the service is reliant on an internet connection (as many virtual landlines are), poor internet service or outages could disrupt communication. This is especially problematic in areas with limited internet access or in the case of technical glitches within the virtual landline provider's infrastructure.

Not All Prisons Allow Virtual Landlines
A significant downside is that not all prisons allow the use of virtual landlines for inmate calls. While many prisons in the UK permit the use of local landlines, virtual landlines may fall into a gray area of approval. Some prisons may view virtual landlines as a potential security risk, particularly if they’re being used to bypass official monitoring systems.

Before investing in a virtual landline, it’s crucial to check with the specific prison to ensure that they allow such services. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying for a service you cannot use.

Limited Usage
Prisoners have restricted phone privileges, which means their time for making calls is limited. Even if you set up a virtual landline, it may not always be possible for the inmate to call when needed. Inmates often have scheduled times for phone access, and high demand for phone use can result in missed opportunities for communication.

In addition, some prisoners may not have sufficient credit to make regular calls, limiting the usefulness of a virtual landline in reducing overall communication costs.

A virtual landline can be a cost-effective solution for families looking to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones. The flexibility, cost savings, and ease of use make it an attractive option for many. However, it's not without its drawbacks. Initial setup fees, ongoing subscription costs, potential technical issues, and the risk of non-approval by some prisons are factors to consider.

Before opting for a virtual landline, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Understanding the policies of the specific prison, as well as the financial implications, will help you make an informed decision. While virtual landlines offer great potential for reducing call costs, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and families must consider whether this option fits their needs and circumstances.