Why do I need to set up a pre-paid collect call account?Federal, State and local Prison collect calls can only be directly accepted on a per-call basis when your phone company has a billing arrangement with the collect call provider. To be able to accept collect calls using this service, you need to be able to set up a pre-paid account with the collect call provider, or the inmate must have a pre-paid calling card, or the inmate must have a debit calling account.
Who is the collect call provider? Each state institution has a contract with a collect call provider. Usually all state institutions within a state have the same provider. You can call the institution to find out who the collect call provider is for that particular institution. To view information specific to individual state prisons, click here (a new window will open) All Federal Prisons, with the exception of private Federal Prisons, use Value Added Communications (VAC). Private federal prisons may use a different provider.
How are collect call rates determined: In most instances, the collect call rates are determined by distance and by the time of day. The further away your phone number's origination is from the institution, the more the call will cost. If the number being called is a local number or a number close in distance to the institution, the rates will be considerably less in most instances. Time of day usually makes a difference. During the day is the most expensive. Rates drop after 5:00 p.m. and drop again after 9:00 p.m. A few states have flat rate calling, no matter where you live within the state. If this is true for the state the prison is located and you live in the same state, this service will not save you any money.
How do I know how much a call will cost? Contact the collect call provider for the institution. Ask the rate for your current phone number. Then ask the rate for a local number. If they need a phone number to check the rates, use the area code and exchange (first 6 numbers) of the phone number to the institution. Compare the two rates to determine approximately how much you will save by having a local phone number to accept the collect calls.
How do I set up a pre-paid collect call account? Contact the collect call provider for the institution. When you set up the pre-paid account, you have to use the new local phone number, not your home phone or cell phone. If you have more than one phone number where you want to accept collect calls, you will need to set up a pre-paid account for each phone number.
What information will the collect call provider need? The name and billing address for the phone service, credit card and pre-paid account must all match. Your name
Your phone number (the new local number)
Your phone company (phone provider name)
Your billing address (The phone number's address is your residence address.)
Your credit card number and billing address. When setting up your pre-paid collect call account, DO NOT indicate that you will be call-forwarding the number to your home phone or linking the number to your home phone.
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