In Australia, one of the biggest challenges for families and friends of people in prison is the high cost of phone calls. Staying in touch with a loved one behind bars is essential for emotional support, but the high cost of calls makes it harder for families to stay connected. Unfortunately, the way prison phone services are set up often leads to these expensive charges. Private companies usually manage these phone services under contracts with the government or individual prisons, and they often set very high rates. While these companies argue that the prices are necessary to cover security costs and infrastructure, many believe the markups are far higher than what’s needed.
For many families, these high phone rates can be financially overwhelming. Staying connected is crucial for both the prisoner’s well-being and their family’s mental health. But when communication becomes too expensive, it can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even hopelessness. Not only does this hurt the person in prison, but it also makes it harder for families to provide the support they need to stay strong. In many cases, these high costs can even make it more difficult for prisoners to reintegrate into society after they are released. Therefore, reducing the cost of these calls could benefit everyone by strengthening family ties and reducing the chance of reoffending.
Why Are Prison Phone Calls So Expensive?
The reason prison phone calls are so costly in Australia is mainly because private companies provide these services. These companies often charge high prices because they have exclusive contracts with prisons. While there are some legitimate costs to providing phone services in prisons—like the need for secure calls and the infrastructure required for these systems—many people feel that these prices are unfairly inflated for profit.
One of the main reasons for the high cost is the security needed for each call. Calls from prisons must be monitored to make sure inmates aren’t using the phones for illegal activities. This security adds an extra layer of expense. Additionally, the technology needed to provide phone services in remote or high-security areas is also costly. However, critics argue that these fees are often much higher than necessary, and the profit-driven nature of the contracts leads to an unfair financial burden on families.
Moreover, the lack of competition in the prison phone market means that families often don’t have many alternatives. Since only a few companies are typically allowed to provide phone services in prisons, there’s little incentive to lower prices. This lack of choice, combined with the limited ability of families to negotiate better deals, keeps the rates high and difficult to avoid.
How Do High Call Costs Affect Prisoners and Their Families?
The high cost of prison phone calls has a significant impact on both prisoners and their families. For many prisoners, maintaining contact with their family members is a critical part of coping with their time in prison. Regular communication helps reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are common among incarcerated individuals. In fact, staying in touch with loved ones can even improve the chances of successful reintegration into society when the person is released.
However, when phone calls are so expensive, families can’t always afford to maintain this important communication. This creates a sense of disconnection and loneliness on both sides of the phone line. For families, not being able to regularly talk to their loved one can be emotionally difficult and can make it harder to provide the support the prisoner needs. In some cases, this emotional strain can even contribute to the breakdown of family relationships, making it harder for prisoners to succeed when they eventually leave prison.
The emotional and financial strain also affects the rehabilitation process. Studies show that when prisoners have regular contact with their families, they are less likely to reoffend. However, if that connection is lost due to high call prices, it can make it more difficult for the person to adjust when they return to society. So, while the high costs may seem like just an inconvenience, they can have far-reaching consequences for the individual and their family.
Efforts to Reform the System
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the high cost of prison phone calls, and many people are calling for change. Some advocates argue that making phone calls more affordable would help prisoners maintain important relationships with their families, which would in turn improve their mental health and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Supporters of reform also point out that reducing phone call prices could save money in the long run by decreasing the number of people who return to prison.
So far, there have been some small efforts to lower call costs in certain states, but widespread changes have yet to occur. Some states have started pilot programmes to provide cheaper communication options for prisoners, but these programmes are often limited and inconsistent. Still, the push for reform is growing, with more people realising that lowering the costs of prison phone calls could benefit not just the families but society as a whole.
How Can You Save Money on Prison Phone Calls?
Even though the system is expensive, there are ways to save money on prison phone calls. One option is to use services like Prison Connect, which are designed to provide more affordable ways to stay in touch with someone in prison. These services often offer much lower rates than traditional phone companies, helping families save money while still being able to communicate with their loved ones.
Another way to reduce the cost is to make sure you are using the correct engine number for prisoners. Each prisoner is typically assigned an engine number that helps identify them when making phone calls. This number is important for ensuring that the call is processed correctly and can sometimes lead to lower rates, depending on the system in place at the prison. It’s always a good idea to check with your phone provider to make sure you are using the correct engine number for every call.
In some cases, using a 3CX Engine Number may help lower costs as well. This system allows calls to be routed through more affordable VoIP technology, which can offer significant savings over traditional phone services. While not all prisons offer this option, it’s worth looking into, as it can be a cheaper way to stay connected.
Finally, consider exploring options for video calls or online messaging services. Some Australian prisons are starting to introduce video calling, which offers a more affordable alternative to traditional phone calls. Not only are these calls often cheaper, but they also allow families to have face-to-face conversations, which can be more meaningful and help maintain a stronger bond.
Conclusion: Making Prison Communication More Affordable
While the cost of prison phone calls can be overwhelming, there are options available to reduce these expenses. Services like Prison Connect can offer more affordable rates, and understanding the Engine Number for Prisoners or 3CX Engine Number systems may help lower your bills as well. Despite these options, the best long-term solution is reforming the way prison phone services are structured. By pushing for fairer pricing and better transparency in the system, They can help ensure that prisoners and their families have access to affordable communication.
For more tips on how to reduce the costs of staying in touch with a loved one in prison, visit Prison Engine. Together, They can work towards a more supportive and affordable system for everyone involved.