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Phone calls are one of the most important ways prisoners stay connected with family and friends. Regular contact can help maintain relationships, improve wellbeing, and support rehabilitation.
However, prison phone calls in the UK often come with strict rules and high costs. Many families are surprised to learn how expensive calls can be, especially when prisoners are only allowed to call approved numbers.
This guide explains how prison phone calls work, who prisoners can call, how much calls cost, and how families can reduce the cost of staying in touch.
Most UK prisons allow prisoners to make outgoing phone calls using secure prison phone systems. These systems are monitored and controlled by prison authorities to maintain safety and security.
Unlike normal phone calls, prisoners cannot simply dial any number they wish. Instead, they must use a list of approved phone numbers that have been verified by the prison.
Key points about prison phone systems:
You can learn more about prison communication rules in our guide to are prison phone calls recorded.
Prisoners can normally call family members, partners, friends, and legal representatives once the numbers have been approved.
Before a number can be called, the person receiving the calls usually needs to be verified by the prison. This may involve confirming the identity of the person and ensuring the number is not linked to prohibited activity.
Common contacts prisoners call include:
Prison phone calls in the UK are typically more expensive than normal calls. The exact cost depends on the prison provider and the type of number being called.
Calls to landlines are usually cheaper than calls to mobile phones. Because many people only use mobile phones today, this can significantly increase the cost of staying in contact.
Typical issues families experience include:
You can read more about pricing in our guide: How much do prison phone calls cost.
Prison phone systems operate differently from normal telecom networks. Calls must be monitored, recorded, and restricted to approved numbers.
Because of these security requirements, prisons use specialist phone providers. These systems often have higher call rates compared to standard consumer telecom services.
In addition, many prisons charge significantly more when prisoners call mobile numbers instead of landlines.
This is why many families look for ways to reduce the cost of prison phone calls while still staying connected.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of prison phone calls is to use a landline number.
Calls to landlines are usually significantly cheaper than calls to mobile phones. However, many families no longer have a landline at home.
A practical solution is to use a prison phone forwarding service. This allows the prisoner to call a landline number, which then automatically forwards the call to your mobile phone.
This keeps the call cost lower while still allowing you to answer on your mobile.
Our prison phone forwarding service allows prisoners to call a UK landline number that redirects to your mobile phone.
This means you can:
Once the landline number is approved by the prison, calls are automatically forwarded to your mobile.
If you want to make prison phone calls easier and more affordable, our call forwarding packages provide a simple solution.
Learn more about our service here:
