Oregon Department of Corrections: Phone CallsPrison Phone Provider: Value Added Communications (VAC). VAC offers three methods of paying for the cost of the calls: Traditional collect (billed to your home phone bill), advance pay (Vconnect), and debit (inmate pays). Using the inmate phone debit account will give you the lowest rate on the cost of the calls. Local calls using the debit account are $1.75 per 20-minute call VAC DEBIT RATES FOR A 20-MINUTE CALL: | Local | $1.75 | IntraLATA
Within the same LATA* | $3.26 | InterLATA
Within the same state
| $11.35 | Interstate
Out of state | $13.35 |
* IntraLATA does not mean within the same area code. A number can be in the same area code, but not be the same LATA.
To save on the cost of inmate calls from Oregon State Prisons, you will need a local number. We have local numbers available for many Oregon State Facilities. Click here to get a free quote. Excerpt from the Oregon DOC Website:
(Full text available here: http://www.oregon.gov/DOC/GENSVC/faq-its.shtml This FAQ includes information about the inmate telephone system, answers common questions and offers solutions to common problems. VAC Communications has contracted to provide payphone service to all DOC facilities. This contractor provides the security and control equipment within DOC facilities. The system offers three types of calling programs: Advance Pay (“V-Connect, or prepaid collect), collect and debit (Oregon Debit). How do I put money on an inmate’s debit account?
All debit transactions are handled by VAC.
Please contact them at 1 800 786-8521 for detailed information and instructions. How much will the inmate call cost?
When you answer a call from an inmate who is calling from any Oregon Department of Corrections facility, an automated announcement will ask you if you would like to hear the rates for that call. By pressing the designated number when prompted, a recording will list the maximum amount that could be charged for that call. Selecting this option will not disconnect your call and you will not be charged for the time the announcement plays. For debit calls, charges commence once the call is connected. Charges for all other inmate calls begin when you accept the call by selecting the designated number.
How can a call be more cost efficient?
It is less expensive to have one long conversation rather than several shorter calls. Long distance calls have a connection fee plus a per-minute rate. For example, the combined charges for a 20-minute call are less expensive per minute than the cost of four, five-minute calls. Debit calls are discounted. The best savings in most cases is to purchase debit time.
Why can’t I receive inmate calls?
Inmates can only call numbers which are on their personal “Calling list”. (There are some exceptions in the first 30 days of incarceration.) If the number is on the inmate’s list there are many possible reasons why you are not receiving calls. The VAC system has several prompts that instruct both the caller and call receiver why certain calls cannot be completed. It is important that the call receiver listens to the prompt and give that message to the help desk or repair personnel.
Unfortunately, many smaller independent phone companies, known as Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (C-LEC), and some companies such as MCI, AT&T local services, cell phone companies, and all VOIP companies, do not have billing agreements with the contracted service providers for DOC. Without a billing agreement the companies providing local and long distance service to DOC facilities will not allow a collect call to go to that company. The option with the VAC system is for the call receiver to prepay (V-Connect) for calls or for the inmate, inmate friends or family to put money on the inmate’s “Oregon debit” account. To address phone problems at all DOC facilities, contact the provider listed at the bottom of this page. What features on a phone might prevent receipt or disconnect a call?
Three-way Calling: ODOC rules prohibit any type of three-way or conference calls. DOC blocks these numbers.
The primary reason for disconnected calls is an interruption in the phone signal. This may occur at either end of the connection. Cordless Phones, Cell phone and VOIP lines are prone to this problem. These calls are made at the customer’s risk. Refunds will not be made for cut off calls of this type. It is strongly recommended that you do not use a cordless phone.
Cell phones: You can set up an advance pay (V-Connect) account for cell phones however using “Oregon debit” is the least expensive option for calling cell phones. Value Added Communications inc. (1-800-786-8521) is the principle service provider for all Oregon DOC facilities. VAC will resolve all repair and debit issues or direct them to the proper agency or subcontractor. DOC will not answer questions about an inmate’s account. Inmate financial and calling list information is not available to the public.
If you have questions that remain unanswered after reviewing this website, you may call the Oregon Department of Corrections’ Inmate Phone Specialists at 503-945-9437. You may expect a return call within two business days.
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