Collect calls are not free; they typically incur charges that are billed to the recipient of the call.
Here’s a detailed look at how collect calls work and the associated costs…
How Collect Calls Work
- Initiating a Collect Call – The caller, usually an inmate in a prison or jail, places a collect call. The recipient (the person being called) must accept the charges for the call to proceed.
- Acceptance of Charges – When the call is placed, the recipient receives a prompt informing them that it is a collect call and asking if they accept the charges. If the recipient accepts, the call is connected, and the recipient agrees to pay the associated costs.
Cost of Collect Calls
- Per-Minute Charges – Collect calls often have a per-minute rate. This rate can vary significantly based on the service provider, the location of the caller and recipient, and the duration of the call. Rates can range from a few cents to several dollars per minute.
- Connection Fees – In addition to per-minute charges, there may be an initial connection fee. This is a flat fee charged when the call is connected. Connection fees can also vary widely depending on the service provider.
- Additional Fees – Taxes, surcharges, and other administrative fees may apply, further increasing the cost of the call. Some service providers also charge extra fees for calls to mobile phones or for long-distance calls.
Specific Contexts
- Prison and Jail Collect Calls – Inmates often have to make collect calls, and the costs can be higher due to the contracts between correctional facilities and phone service providers. Inmates’ families and friends typically bear the cost of these calls, which can be a significant financial burden.
- International Collect Calls – International collect calls are generally more expensive than domestic calls. Rates vary by country and the service provider.
Alternatives to Collect Calls
- Prepaid Phone Services – Some correctional facilities offer prepaid phone services where the inmate or their family can deposit money into an account to be used for calls. This can be more cost-effective than collect calls and allows better control over expenses.
- Calling Cards – Inmates can sometimes purchase calling cards from the commissary, which can be used to make calls at lower rates. These cards are prepaid, reducing the need for collect calls.
- VoIP Services – For non-inmate situations, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, or other internet-based calling services can be more affordable alternatives to traditional collect calls.
Tips for Managing Costs
- Compare Rates – Compare rates from different service providers to find the most affordable option.
- Monitor Call Duration – Keep calls short to minimize per-minute charges.
- Prepaid Accounts – Set up prepaid accounts to avoid the higher costs associated with collect calls.
- Check Facility Policies – Review the policies and options available at the specific correctional facility for any potential cost-saving measures.
Collect calls are not free and can be quite expensive, especially for inmates making calls from prison or jail. Exploring alternatives such as prepaid phone services, calling cards, or VoIP services can help manage and reduce these costs. Always check the specific rates and fees associated with collect calls from your service provider to avoid unexpected charges.
