Why do prison communication systems charge so much for calls?

I have a family member incarcerated, and the cost of phone calls is shocking. Minutes add up fast, and rates seem way higher than regular phone plans. Is this typical across facilities, or are there more affordable options? Looking for advice on managing communication without breaking the budget each month.

It’s unfortunately common. Most facilities contract with specific providers, and rates are high. Some states have passed laws to cap costs, but it varies. We set a monthly budget and use prepaid cards to avoid surprise charges. It’s not perfect, but it helps keep things manageable for our family.

High fees are a widespread issue. Before committing to one provider, I checked https://corrlinks.pissedconsumer.com/review.html to see what others experienced with pricing and reliability. Some people reported better rates with certain plans, others found hidden charges. It’s worth comparing options if your facility allows it, and keeping track of usage so you’re not caught off guard when the bill arrives each month.