The Truth About Prison Phone Costs — And How to Save Money

For many families in the UK, staying in touch with a loved one in prison is harder than it should be — and a big part of that is the high cost of phone calls. But why are these calls so expensive in the first place? Let’s dive into how things got this way, who’s involved, and what’s being done to make things better.

Why Are Prison Phone Calls So Expensive?

In most UK prisons, phone calls aren’t run by the prison itself. Instead, private companies handle the phone systems. These companies set the prices — and they often charge much more than normal phone providers.

The prison gets a share of the money from these calls too, which means there’s little incentive to keep costs low. Families end up paying the price, even though they’ve done nothing wrong.

The Role of Private Companies

Private telecom companies make a lot of money from prison phone calls. They know inmates will pay whatever they can to stay connected to loved ones — and that families will often go without other things just to afford those calls.

Some companies charge extra fees, like a fee to create an account or top-up call credit. These hidden costs make phone calls even more expensive.

The Push for Change

Many people think this system is unfair, and some groups are fighting to change it. There have been campaigns and petitions calling for lower prison phone prices, and even the government has started to take notice.

In recent years, the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has made some improvements. For example, they’ve introduced in-cell phones in some prisons and allowed prisoners to make free calls to certain support services. But for many families, call costs are still too high.

How Connect4Less Can Help

Until bigger changes happen, families can still find ways to save money. One way is by using a local landline number from Connect4Less. This lets prisoners call their family’s mobile at landline rates — which are much cheaper.

Prison reform takes time, but staying connected shouldn’t have to wait. By understanding the system and finding smart ways to cut costs, families can stay in touch without breaking the bank.