Skip to main content

Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

 
Tamara D

other then us accepting collect calls? Like pre-paid deal for cell phones. For the "Department of Corrections" in Northern calif, conscallhome, is a verizon site, and requires a $39.00 activation fee, any others that are known about out there?


Last post
57 posts / 0 new

 
SeaCaptDon

SeaCaptainDon, I thought this might be of interest to you: GTL/CDCR rules don't prohibit local virtual numbers & GTL Class-Action Lawsuit info - Prison Talk
As far as I can see you are right: there is no legal ground for these phone companies to forbid the use of virtual telephone numbers like Skype or GoogleVoice. They just use their power and monopoly to deny those numbers, because they don't make much money on them.

You are correct and since a growing percentage of Americans and others are using cellular and VoIP phones and getting rid of their land lines it is something that the courts are recognizing. And you are further correct that it is the telcoms furnishing service to those institutions that are screaming about it because they cannot charge as much as 6000% over say the average American calling card rates. Thank you for sending the link, we had the information from another source but I appreciate your sending it. The more information we can collect the better. We are joining in another class action suit similar.

As of this morning, people researching this have not found any institution that can lawfully prohibit the use of local telephone numbers. I am in the process of talking to a company this morning that supplies SIMM cards to anyone overseas with an American phone number and American address. The primarily do this for Americans with family members overseas such as in Philippines, but they told me they will do it for anyone. It is a little expensive to set up... like a hundred dollars but I am working to get them to waive the setup fee to reduce that considerably and then there is a monthly fee. But it would allow unlimited calling to anywhere in USA or from USA for a flat fee. I think this would resolve that problem and anyone can pay using AlertPay or Moneybookers. And no I/we do not get any kickback from it, we are only trying to negotiate to help inmate friends and family overseas.

 
TheDiana

SeaCaptainDon, I thought this might be of interest to you: GTL/CDCR rules don't prohibit local virtual numbers & GTL Class-Action Lawsuit info - Prison Talk
As far as I can see you are right: there is no legal ground for these phone companies to forbid the use of virtual telephone numbers like Skype or GoogleVoice. They just use their power and monopoly to deny those numbers, because they don't make much money on them.

 
TheDiana

The problem is not setting up the American local telephone number with GoogleVoice or Skype, but when I have it I am not able to use it to set up the pre paid account with Global Tel Link. It's exactly like Naddy said: I need an American address, credit card and social security number to set up a pre paid account with Global Tel Link, if I want to use an American telephone number. If I want to use my Dutch landline, I can pay through a bank transfer or through Western Union and I only have to supply GTL with my Dutch address. They even ask for a copy of your phonebill to verify your address.

 
Numbercruncher

That's very cool SeaCaptDon! I think that will be a helpful disclosure for some inmates family members who visit your website.

 
SeaCaptDon

In order to address the concern of "full disclosure" regarding the proposed use of local numbers I have talked to the volunteer webmaster for the organization website and she has added a notation regarding potential adverse policies by some institutions. Once the research and investigation has been completed any new information will be added to the information provided on the website along with other new options that have come to light.

 
girl4cali

I apologize to NC and everyone on the post for the name calling, it was not appropriate. I should have made my point without it.

 
ArtemisIsLove

ArtemisIsLove, you are right and I apologize. I should have not called names. I was angry and I should not expressed that in such a way. But as someone whose family has benefited from the help received and as someone who believes in them enough to volunteer with them, I let it get to me and I should not have. Again, I am sorry.

That's fine, but I'm not the one who deserves the apology.

 
girl4cali

girl4cali - I see that you are new here, having just joined today, but name calling is really not the way to make a good first impression.

ArtemisIsLove, you are right and I apologize. I should have not called names. I was angry and I should not expressed that in such a way. But as someone whose family has benefited from the help received and as someone who believes in them enough to volunteer with them, I let it get to me and I should not have. Again, I am sorry.

 
SeaCaptDon

I don't think the issue is with having a local phone number. The issue lies with the use of technologies not approved by the DOC. I understand what you are trying to do by providing this information, but NC has a point in that people really should be made aware that these kinds of services and use of these technologies are at their own risk because the reality is that many of these things if caught, are not allowed by the DOC.

And as previously posted, members of the Board are currently searching the DOC sites for every state to see if any of them specifically prohibit the use of local phone numbers and if so on what lawful basis. And at this point the report I am getting is that the only policies against local phone numbers seem to be those of the companies providing the phone services, only one in particular, and not those of the institutions. The only exception that has come up so for is specifically regarding cellular phones. If the research/investigation finds any DOCs that prohibit local phone numbers, we will list them and advise everyone accordingly. Our concern is to provide accurate help to families of inmates and not to cause them any un-necessary aggravation. The purpose of the original posting was to provide information to enable better contact between families of inmates and the prisoners who call them. The organization has been campaigning for many years against the price gouging policies of those companies whose sole purpose is to make money off of the families of inmates.

 
ArtemisIsLove

NC you are a jerk. Why do you want to defame an organization that does good for inmates and their families? Operation Re-Entry went to bat for my sister and sent people to her parole hearing and persuaded the parole board examiners to give her a chance to participate in their new program. They got her a job and a family to live with until she got on her feet and then one of their volunteer attorneys filed on her behalf to get custody of her kids returned to her. That was 12 years ago and now she has 2 kids in college and she is clean and sober and a productive member of her community. They saved her life and her family.
And by the way, I got a local number in Texas so I can get calls from a friend who is in prison there. Are you going to attack me too? I hope you do, it will show your true character.

girl4cali - I see that you are new here, having just joined today, but name calling is really not the way to make a good first impression.

[QUOTE=SeaCaptDon;994333]I have discussed your points with other Board Members and our counsel and he disagrees with you and says that we are totally in compliance with all the 501(c)(3) requirements and that we have done nothing at all unethical in spite of your allegations. [B]At this time we have several volunteers researching every state to see if in fact any of them prohibit local numbers and if they do prohibit them if in fact they have any lawful right to do so.[/B] Also we have been campaigning for years to change DOC policies and they do not even do the courtesy of responding. If, at the end of our research and investigation, the Board and our counsel see the need of posting a notice that obtaining a local number may violate some institution policies, we will happily post the name of those institutions and a notice to that effect. If you personally know of any institution where it is against policy then please send an e-mail to admin [at] operationreentry.orgrel="nofollow" so that they can include it in their investigation.[/QUOTE]

I don't think the issue is with having a local phone number. The issue lies with the use of technologies not approved by the DOC. I understand what you are trying to do by providing this information, but NC has a point in that people really should be made aware that these kinds of services and use of these technologies are at their own risk because the reality is that many of these things if caught, are not allowed by the DOC.

 
girl4cali

I thought that you posted you utilized the organizations services, I didn't realize that you worked with them as well.

My sister used their services and their general counsel volunteered to help her and did and he is now a friend and so I talked to him. I also volunteer with them to go to parole hearings on behalf of inmates and to distribute Christmas gifts to the children of inmates. The organization's counsel explained to me that the organization is not subject to such an audit and I get their annual reports which as a professional in the accounting field I review simply to see how my meager donations are spent. I have never seen an organization where less than 5% goes to administrative costs. I still suggest that if you have concerns you should address it to them privately.

And I thought I was sending the other post to you privately. But I am quite familiar with how to post here.

 
SeaCaptDon

I have volunteered with the organization and serve on their Board and their general counsel is a friend and they are not subject to any A-133 audit and the contributions from all sources and expenditures fall below even the new 2010 thresholds.

 
whitediamonds

Talk to the organization about that privately, This post is not the place to interrogate them.

Exactly...

 
Numbercruncher

In talking with counsel, I am told that the organization is not subject to an A-133 audit because we do not take any Federal Grants or government grants. Our books and annual reports are audited by an independent auditor and provided to any members or contributors who request them.

I thought that you posted you utilized the organizations services, I didn't realize that you worked with them as well.

 
whitediamonds

Ok lets get off the companies tax responsibility please, this is not a tax office...lol

As far as your warning for members using this service has been made.

 
girl4cali

Talk to the organization about that privately, This post is not the place to interrogate them.

 
Numbercruncher

NC, if you have a problem with that organization why didn't you PM them or e-mail them on their site instead of attempting to defame them here? In my thinking that would have been a better tact if you are indeed the professional that you claim to be. It seems to me that you would have been more interested in giving them positive input than in negative attacks in this thread.

Because it was you that was mentioning the Organization's website and the services that it offers. I've said nothing that lacks tact. I have expressed concern, in the same thread that the website was mentioned in, in case some readers, trying to save money, purchase equipment, or enter into lengthy contracts, which, many times will result in denial from state DOC's. My concern is that members on this forum don't see the entire picture.

 
whitediamonds

I agree bringing up the A-133 is pushing it too far now, against this Organization and allegations. A professional would not or should not conduct this any further on the forum.

It has gone past your view/opinion

 
girl4cali

SeaCaptDon~First of all you do NOT mention on the site that people should check with the respecitive DOC's to verify if getting a local number is permissable, per their policy (indeed some states it is, most, however, it is not). You have a DUTY to the people who rely on your information to disclose those facts. I agree that the rates charged are totally out of line, indeed gauging inmates/their families. My point is this~you violate your OWN mission statement. Telling people about this "resource" without informing them that it MAY violate DOC policy is abolutely unethical. True reform does not come from finding "loopholes" but rather fighting the system the RIGHT way. By taking on the DOC's.

Let's say someone takes your advice based on that website, lets say spends $40 on MJ, or skype, or whatever. Only to find out, after incurring the expense this is not allowed and their number is shut down. That happens ALL the time. You have a responsibility to educate people, if your going to show them how to "game" the situation. And getting a local #, when it violates the DOC policy is "gaming" the situation, no doubt about it.

As far as the rules/regualtions of 501c3's, when you are in a position to file a 990, and god forbid, be audited, I am telling you, that will NOT pass the scrutinization of an auditor. (I feel qualified to say that, as an auditor of 501(c)3's)!

Willfully explaining in detail how to set up local phone numbers without disclosing that it violates a state agencies policies is unacceptable.

NC, if you have a problem with that organization why didn't you PM them or e-mail them on their site instead of attempting to defame them here? In my thinking that would have been a better tact if you are indeed the professional that you claim to be. It seems to me that you would have been more interested in giving them positive input than in negative attacks in this thread.

 
Numbercruncher

Is your entity subject to an A-133 audit?

 
SeaCaptDon

SeaCaptDon~First of all you do NOT mention on the site that people should check with the respecitive DOC's to verify if getting a local number is permissable, per their policy (indeed some states it is, most, however, it is not). You have a DUTY to the people who rely on your information to disclose those facts. I agree that the rates charged are totally out of line, indeed gauging inmates/their families. My point is this~you violate your OWN mission statement. Telling people about this "resource" without informing them that it MAY violate DOC policy is abolutely unethical. True reform does not come from finding "loopholes" but rather fighting the system the RIGHT way. By taking on the DOC's.

Let's say someone takes your advice based on that website, lets say spends $40 on MJ, or skype, or whatever. Only to find out, after incurring the expense this is not allowed and their number is shut down. That happens ALL the time. You have a responsibility to educate people, if your going to show them how to "game" the situation. And getting a local #, when it violates the DOC policy is "gaming" the situation, no doubt about it.

As far as the rules/regualtions of 501c3's, when you are in a position to file a 990, and god forbid, be audited, I am telling you, that will NOT pass the scrutinization of an auditor. (I feel qualified to say that, as an auditor of 501(c)3's)!

Willfully explaining in detail how to set up local phone numbers without disclosing that it violates a state agencies policies is unacceptable.

I have discussed your points with other Board Members and our counsel and he disagrees with you and says that we are totally in compliance with all the 501(c)(3) requirements and that we have done nothing at all unethical in spite of your allegations. At this time we have several volunteers researching every state to see if in fact any of them prohibit local numbers and if they do prohibit them if in fact they have any lawful right to do so. Also we have been campaigning for years to change DOC policies and they do not even do the courtesy of responding. If, at the end of our research and investigation, the Board and our counsel see the need of posting a notice that obtaining a local number may violate some institution policies, we will happily post the name of those institutions and a notice to that effect. If you personally know of any institution where it is against policy then please send an e-mail to admin [at] operationreentry.orgrel="nofollow" so that they can include it in their investigation.

 
Numbercruncher

The determination letter not being posted is not unusual. Very few on the guide star report.
These are tax issues.

It is not illegal or being in violation of the 501c3, to provide a public service providing a list of alternatives .
Competition, " Free Enterprise"

It places it in the Doc's court to find a legal way to prevent as far as prison commucation...

Shame on the Doc...

Peanut, I assume you are talking about the guidestar for non paying website members. You can only see a glimpse of what's on the site.

And YES, shame on the DOC's! My point is NOT in defense of the DOC's. But rather that this organization has a responsibility to those who rely on the information to be told that the "options" they are pursuing, in many instances, violates the DOC policy and should check. They have a responsibility to disclose all pertinent information.

 
Numbercruncher

SeaCaptDon~First of all you do NOT mention on the site that people should check with the respecitive DOC's to verify if getting a local number is permissable, per their policy (indeed some states it is, most, however, it is not). You have a DUTY to the people who rely on your information to disclose those facts. I agree that the rates charged are totally out of line, indeed gauging inmates/their families. My point is this~you violate your OWN mission statement. Telling people about this "resource" without informing them that it MAY violate DOC policy is abolutely unethical. True reform does not come from finding "loopholes" but rather fighting the system the RIGHT way. By taking on the DOC's.

Let's say someone takes your advice based on that website, lets say spends $40 on MJ, or skype, or whatever. Only to find out, after incurring the expense this is not allowed and their number is shut down. That happens ALL the time. You have a responsibility to educate people, if your going to show them how to "game" the situation. And getting a local #, when it violates the DOC policy is "gaming" the situation, no doubt about it.

As far as the rules/regualtions of 501c3's, when you are in a position to file a 990, and god forbid, be audited, I am telling you, that will NOT pass the scrutinization of an auditor. (I feel qualified to say that, as an auditor of 501(c)3's)!

Willfully explaining in detail how to set up local phone numbers without disclosing that it violates a state agencies policies is unacceptable.

 
girl4cali

SeaCaptDon~I checked out your link, and admit I was surprised! I see that the Organization is a 501c3, and was a little surprised to see a tax exempt organization openly giving out information to "game" the inmate phone call pricing. While I agree that DOC's and state/federal correctional institutions are sticking it to inmate/their families, I am appalled that this Organization would be giving advice on the "how to's" of gaming the inmate phone system. This is NOT the way to fight the system! Most people figure it out on their own (as most people here have). There is NO mention that what this Organization is suggesting violates almost every state's DOC policy (getting a local number) to avoid paying high priced intra/inter state collect calls. I would be curious to see this Organization's guide star report, or IRS tax form 990. I notice that the IRS determination letter is NOT posted (although the tax ID is). With a non profit that OPENLY encourages friends/family to violate DOC policy I can't imagine this company getting too big without numerous complaints filed against it!

Shame on this company!

NC you are a jerk. Why do you want to defame an organization that does good for inmates and their families? Operation Re-Entry went to bat for my sister and sent people to her parole hearing and persuaded the parole board examiners to give her a chance to participate in their new program. They got her a job and a family to live with until she got on her feet and then one of their volunteer attorneys filed on her behalf to get custody of her kids returned to her. That was 12 years ago and now she has 2 kids in college and she is clean and sober and a productive member of her community. They saved her life and her family.
And by the way, I got a local number in Texas so I can get calls from a friend who is in prison there. Are you going to attack me too? I hope you do, it will show your true character.

 
whitediamonds

SeaCaptDon~I checked out your link, and admit I was surprised! I see that the Organization is a 501c3, and was a little surprised to see a tax exempt organization openly giving out information to "game" the inmate phone call pricing. While I agree that DOC's and state/federal correctional institutions are sticking it to inmate/their families, I am appalled that this Organization would be giving advice on the "how to's" of gaming the inmate phone system. This is NOT the way to fight the system! Most people figure it out on their own (as most people here have). There is NO mention that what this Organization is suggesting violates almost every state's DOC policy (getting a local number) to avoid paying high priced intra/inter state collect calls. I would be curious to see this Organization's guide star report, or IRS tax form 990. I notice that the IRS determination letter is NOT posted (although the tax ID is). With a non profit that OPENLY encourages friends/family to violate DOC policy I can't imagine this company getting too big without numerous complaints filed against it!

Shame on this company!

The determination letter not being posted is not unusual. Very few on the guide star report.
These are tax issues.

It is not illegal or being in violation of the 501c3, to provide a public service providing a list of alternatives .
Competition, " Free Enterprise"

It places it in the Doc's court to find a legal way to prevent as far as prison commucation...

Shame on the Doc...

 
nimbleguy

Be great to know nimbleguy, PM me if you can........Ta!

Unblock your PM and I will hehehe! or send me an email or PM me.

 
Anonymous

I can tell you how to get a number that will work for you. But numbercruncher will probably attack me if I do. But there is nothing illegal about it. Just a simple method of working around the system.

Be great to know nimbleguy, PM me if you can........Ta!

 
nimbleguy

Unfortunately consolidated have the monopoly over Illinois and they don't allow a prisoner from that state to call internationally. And I know it's quite easy to get a local number but even if you do you have to set up a pre paid account through consolidated and to do this you need a SSN and being as I'm in the U.K I don't have one.

I can tell you how to get a number that will work for you. But numbercruncher will probably attack me if I do. But there is nothing illegal about it. Just a simple method of working around the system.

 
Anonymous

I use google voice you can get a local number from anywhere I live in Illinois and I have a Las Vegas number so my pen pal can call me and you can have that number ring right to your cell phone. I have mine go to my house phone and my cell so I don't miss any calls. I hope this helps you.

Unfortunately consolidated have the monopoly over Illinois and they don't allow a prisoner from that state to call internationally. And I know it's quite easy to get a local number but even if you do you have to set up a pre paid account through consolidated and to do this you need a SSN and being as I'm in the U.K I don't have one.

 
Princess poppyc0ck

So, I guess I need a local number so he can call, I live in the Inland Empire, he is in Susanville, how do I get a local #

I use google voice you can get a local number from anywhere I live in Illinois and I have a Las Vegas number so my pen pal can call me and you can have that number ring right to your cell phone. I have mine go to my house phone and my cell so I don't miss any calls. I hope this helps you.

 
nimbleguy

Agree... just too bad the alternative options don't work if you're not from the US. Yes, I can get a local number, but I don't have an American address or credit card, which I would need to set up an account with an American telephone number. So I'm stuck with the high costs and sponsoring this *evil* company ;)

My friend in UK has set up using GoogleVoice for a local phone number and then receives the calls in UK for about 2 cents a minute. I am not sure how she does it but will find out and she does not have an American address or credit card and she pays for it on GoogleCheckout.

I find the signature quote on numbercruncher's posting a little strange when he attacks free speech and free enterprise and an organization that is out doing something active for prisoners and their families. So I guess no one is supposed to speak out about any injustice in the prison system and how they do business.

 
TheDiana

Agree... just too bad the alternative options don't work if you're not from the US. Yes, I can get a local number, but I don't have an American address or credit card, which I would need to set up an account with an American telephone number. So I'm stuck with the high costs and sponsoring this *evil* company ;)

 
nimbleguy

SeaCaptDon~I checked out your link, and admit I was surprised! I see that the Organization is a 501c3, and was a little surprised to see a tax exempt organization openly giving out information to "game" the inmate phone call pricing. While I agree that DOC's and state/federal correctional institutions are sticking it to inmate/their families, I am appalled that this Organization would be giving advice on the "how to's" of gaming the inmate phone system. This is NOT the way to fight the system! Most people figure it out on their own (as most people here have). There is NO mention that what this Organization is suggesting violates almost every state's DOC policy (getting a local number) to avoid paying high priced intra/inter state collect calls. I would be curious to see this Organization's guide star report, or IRS tax form 990. I notice that the IRS determination letter is NOT posted (although the tax ID is). With a non profit that OPENLY encourages friends/family to violate DOC policy I can't imagine this company getting too big without numerous complaints filed against it!

Shame on this company!

Numbercruncher you are the one who should be ashamed of yourself.

Let me tell you what Operation Re-Entry has done for me and my family. They helped my brother when he got out of prison to get a job, to have a place to stay, to eventually buy a small house and provide a home for his children and get on his feet when no one else would do a damn thing. And I know that this organization has been lobbying for change in the abusive phone systems in use for at least 15 years because they helped my mother get a local phone line so she could afford to talk to my brother once in awhile without having to pay for unspeakable phone bills instead of eating or paying for her prescriptions. The crime is what is done by those companies that charge egregious rates for phone calls and then give kickbacks to the corrections departments and institutions. In most jurisdictions it is a crime to give compensation to a government agency in order to get a contract. I cannot comprehend why you are attacking an organization that does so much to help inmates and their families and does it free of any charges and yet you defend the companies that continually rip off the families of inmates who in most cases cannot afford it. The shame falls on you. When you have one one-tenth of the good that Operation Re-Entry and other organizations like it then you will have the right to open your mouth against them.

 
SeaCaptDon

SeaCaptDon~I checked out your link, and admit I was surprised! I see that the Organization is a 501c3, and was a little surprised to see a tax exempt organization openly giving out information to "game" the inmate phone call pricing. While I agree that DOC's and state/federal correctional institutions are sticking it to inmate/their families, I am appalled that this Organization would be giving advice on the "how to's" of gaming the inmate phone system. This is NOT the way to fight the system! Most people figure it out on their own (as most people here have). There is NO mention that what this Organization is suggesting violates almost every state's DOC policy (getting a local number) to avoid paying high priced intra/inter state collect calls. I would be curious to see this Organization's guide star report, or IRS tax form 990. I notice that the IRS determination letter is NOT posted (although the tax ID is). With a non profit that OPENLY encourages friends/family to violate DOC policy I can't imagine this company getting too big without numerous complaints filed against it!

Shame on this company!

First of all, the organization only provides information as a public service that is available to everyone if they search for themselves and it is not gaming or scamming the system but providing a list of alternatives for the families of inmates who are paying outrageous fees for services that should be available for competitive prices. There are many companies out there providing the services that we provide information for. And the organization does not promote any violation of any law contrary to your allegations and is in no way in violation of it's 501c3 application or charter. Almost every alternative option promoted by such sites as ConsCallHome and others provides exactly the same services as we provide information for. There is nothing illegal or unethical about getting a local phone number anywhere in the United States. It is called "free enterprise" and is part of the American way. People have been doing this for at least two decades when dealing with unfair and unethical prison phone systems, it IS NOT illegal and does not violate any law. The organization only provides the same information that some other companies entities do for a fee or as a for profit business.

 
SeaCaptDon

and magic jack allows collect calling?

MagicJack cannot facilitate collect calling as far as I know. Neither can Skype from my experience. I have have asked the OperationReEntry.org phone options liason to check for more information and to find out all your options so we can let you know.

 
Numbercruncher

I am on the Board of Directors for Operation Re-Entry Organization, we have posted some alternative options for the normal institutional phone systems. You may get the information at http://phoneoptions.operationreentry.org Please pm me if you have any problems or questions or need help setting it up.

SeaCaptDon~I checked out your link, and admit I was surprised! I see that the Organization is a 501c3, and was a little surprised to see a tax exempt organization openly giving out information to "game" the inmate phone call pricing. While I agree that DOC's and state/federal correctional institutions are sticking it to inmate/their families, I am appalled that this Organization would be giving advice on the "how to's" of gaming the inmate phone system. This is NOT the way to fight the system! Most people figure it out on their own (as most people here have). There is NO mention that what this Organization is suggesting violates almost every state's DOC policy (getting a local number) to avoid paying high priced intra/inter state collect calls. I would be curious to see this Organization's guide star report, or IRS tax form 990. I notice that the IRS determination letter is NOT posted (although the tax ID is). With a non profit that OPENLY encourages friends/family to violate DOC policy I can't imagine this company getting too big without numerous complaints filed against it!

Shame on this company!

 
Tamara D

TO LETxGO, I tried all of the "said" helpful collect calling scams, and thats all that they are, your best bet, is ask your cell phone company if you can put down an advance towards any incoming collect calls, the Con's call home, is a scam, 39.00 a month, yep they'll take your money, and your friend still wont' be able to get through to you, they will re-route their call from prison to your cell phone, it,s a scam, all of them are, I got ripped for about $180. bucks. set up plan for this and that. when it comes time for you to talk to somebody, because 80 bucks was just deducted out of your bank acct. and your calls still won't come through! All of the con's call home, and several others are just a scam, if you have a landline, call the prison that your friend is in, and ask them one on one, what type of phone sources does that particular prison use. It took me 3 months to get half of my money back! don't waste your money, especially if you have a land line, you can set up a pre-paid deal with your own phone company.

 
SeaCaptDon

I am on the Board of Directors for Operation Re-Entry Organization, we have posted some alternative options for the normal institutional phone systems. You may get the information at http://phoneoptions.operationreentry.org Please pm me if you have any problems or questions or need help setting it up.

 
Tamara D

your welcome

 
Gerri

Thanks for all your replies, I found out myself late last night, so problem solved but thanks again.

 
UKGAL

wouldnt they just call the operator, then the operator calls you and asks if you will except the call? then the cost goes straight on your BT bill or what ever company you use?

 
Tamara D

what you can do is google the prison that he is in, to get the phone number, I just straight up asked the cop that answered the phone, "Which company do the inmates use, to save their families money on collect calls, the one I have gave me a local phone #, had to put a deposit down, you can either put 25 or 50, and each call cost 5 bucks, with no added minutes to the phone call, as it appears as a "local collect call" hope this helps, but I haven't received a call yet, as I only had a cell phone, I got a magic jack for $39. a year unlimited and local phone call, and it gives me a land line, and "Inmate call solutions" Delivering World Class User Interfaces in Qt and Web 2.0 | ICS for 20 a month gives me a local #, then "Global Tel*link" is the company that I had to give my honeys, address/county/prison phone number, name, and made a $50. deposit, that should give me I guess 10 collect phone calls at 5 a piece, will see if all this **** works. Good luck call the prison first and just ask which company covers his area. Hope this helps, I know it sounds confusing...

 
Gerri

My fiance has just told me that he is going to be able to make a collect call to me from Texas, so does anyone have any idea who provides Texas prison telephone service and I dont mean embarq I mean is it AT&T OR Verizon or whatever any help would be most appreciated

Thanks

 
smiley

Tamara sent you a PM in regards to calls, hope all goes well and the hip replacement is a success and you get to talk soon. :) I know how hard it is not to be in touch, maybe he could ask for a "special call" under the circumstances if he is on good terms with his counselor, all they can do is say no?

 
Tamara D

I do have internet, but then once magic jack is installed to I hook up a phone? So, about the confusion, just never thought my Pen pal relations with him would become ant thing other then a paper friend type, and with him in the hospital as we speed undergoing a hip replacement, I'm worried, now wanting him to be-able to call, thanks again

 
Patty_Y

Tamara... the question I think that you need to find out is if he can only call collect. Some prisons only allow collect calls. Others allow him to call regularly if you have a phone account set-up with pre-paid funds. Once you find out if he is allowed to make calls other than collect, then we might be able to help you more.

Majicjack goes through your internet service at home. That is the only way you can use it.

 
Tamara D

I apologize for sounding so ignorant, but I only have a cell phone, if I order magic jack, will I be capable of then getting pre-paid collect calling? and thank you Smiley for your time,

 
smiley

All magic jack will do is give you the ability to have a local number which is connected to your phone.

 
Tamara D

and magic jack allows collect calling?

 
smiley

So, I guess I need a local number so he can call, I live in the Inland Empire, he is in Susanville, how do I get a local #

You can buy one from skype if you are familiar with them for around $8 a month or you could buy magic jack which does the same job, i have used both for many years now and our calls are less than $2 in total for 30 minutes and i live overseas. :) Where once i was paying around $55 for a 15 minute call before i was educated on the many ways to cut calls. Technically NOT what DOC allows in all honesty because some are classed as call forwarding in most prisons, but you will find most people do it this way and have done for many a year, unless you talk to some in Texas where phones are only now being put in prisons or for some reason they rae unable to manipulate the system. (just being honest).

Magic Jack Phone Service

However, after doing some research, and hearing a couple of my friends swear by the gadget, it seems that Magic Jack really does deliver what it promises -- even if the marketing is classic infomercial gimmickry. For $39.95, you get the Magic Jack, your own number with unlimited local and long distance
(USA and Canada), and your first year of service. Subsequent years are only $19.95 each. That's all you pay... you never get a phone bill, because you can cancel your service with the phone company and cut them out of the loop.