Telecommunication Systems: Phones, Email, and Tablets

Telecommunication Systems: Phones, Email, and Tablets in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provide controlled access to voice calls, electronic messaging, and digital content for incarcerated individuals, balancing security, rehabilitation, and family connections. These systems, governed by BOP Program Statements 5264.08 (Inmate Telephone Regulations) and 5265.13 (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System, or TRULINCS), use monitored platforms like ViaPath (formerly Global Tel Link) for phones and video, CorrLinks for email, and limited tablets for media and education. All communications are recorded and screened, except attorney calls, with access tied to good conduct and program participation.

As of November 2025, these systems serve over 158,000 individuals across 122 BOP facilities, with monthly phone minutes capped at 300 (plus 100 in November/December) and email limited to 30 approved contacts. Effective January 1, 2025, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rate reductions lowered domestic audio calls to $0.06 per minute and video to $0.16, while First Step Act (FSA) incentives provide 300 free phone minutes monthly for program participants. Tablets remain limited, focusing on education and entertainment without full internet access, amid ongoing contraband concerns.

These systems support recidivism reduction—studies show family contact lowers reoffense rates by up to 24%—but high costs and monitoring raise equity issues for low-income families.

Telephone System

The BOP's telephone system, operated by ViaPath, enables outbound collect or direct-dial calls from approved lists of up to 30 numbers, with 15-minute duration limits to prevent abuse. Calls are automated, monitored, and announced as recorded; three-way or unauthorized transfers result in discipline. Access occurs via unit phones or kiosks, with PIN verification.

Under 2025 updates, non-FSA participants pay full rates, while program earners receive 300 free minutes monthly (up to 30/day), potentially expanding to 510 total with paid add-ons. International calls follow FCC tiers; blocked numbers include high-risk lines (e.g., gambling). Pretrial detainees receive limited access per Program Statement 7331.05.

Video Visitation

Video calls, also via ViaPath, connect to approved visitors at $0.16/minute, scheduled remotely or onsite, supporting family ties without physical travel. Sessions last 25-30 minutes, with real-time monitoring; free for FSA earners under incentives.

Email System (TRULINCS/CorrLinks)

TRULINCS, implemented since 2009, allows electronic messaging via dedicated housing unit computers, with no internet access. Inmates send messages to up to 30 pre-approved external contacts; recipients register on CorrLinks.com and pay $0.30 per response (up from $0.25 in 2024). Messages are screened for content, with delays up to 24 hours; attachments limited to photos ($0.30 each).

Usage incurs $0.05/minute from commissary funds, with warnings on each login. Abuse (e.g., mass messaging) led to 2025 caps on recipients per email to protect high-risk inmates. All facilities offer TRULINCS; contract sites do not.

Tablet System

BOP-issued tablets, piloted via vendors like Securus/JPay, provide access to e-books, music, games, education apps, and limited email/video, but no open internet or cameras. Devices are loaned free but charge per use: $0.05/minute for media, $0.25-$0.50 per e-message. FSA incentives may subsidize educational content.

As of 2025, rollout focuses on low-security sites; high-security limits tablets due to contraband risks (e.g., 8,700+ seized phones in 2024). Jamming tech is prohibited federally; instead, managed access systems detect illicit signals.

Cell Phones and Contraband

Personal cell phones are strictly prohibited in all federal prisons. Possession of a cell phone is a disciplinary offense that can result in loss of good time credits, placement in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), and criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 1791 (providing or possessing contraband in prison).

Despite prohibition, contraband cell phones remain a significant problem. In 2024, the BOP reported seizing over 8,700 illicit cell phones across its facilities. Phones are smuggled in through visitors, staff, drones, and packages. The BOP has invested millions in detection technology, including body scanners, signal detection systems, and K-9 units trained to detect electronics.

The consequences for cell phone possession include:

• 30-90 days in SHU
• Loss of up to 41 days good conduct time
• Transfer to higher security facility
• Additional criminal charges (up to 1 year added to sentence)

Internet Access

Federal inmates do not have access to the open internet. All electronic communication occurs through controlled, monitored systems:

• TRULINCS/CorrLinks - Closed email system with no web browsing
• Educational tablets - Pre-loaded content only, no live internet
• Law library computers - Legal research databases only (Westlaw, LexisNexis), no general internet

This restriction exists for security reasons, including preventing criminal activity coordination, witness intimidation, victim contact, and unauthorized business operations. Some federal facilities offer limited educational internet access through monitored programs, but general web browsing is universally prohibited.

Eligibility Requirements

All sentenced BOP individuals qualify for telecommunication access upon arrival, subject to security classification. Phones and TRULINCS require approved contact lists (submitted within 10 days); tablets limited to general population. Disciplinary sanctions suspend privileges (e.g., 30-90 days for misuse). FSA participation unlocks free minutes; indigents receive limited aid via commissary credits. Pretrial/holdover access per local supplements.

Key Processes and Procedures

Access begins with orientation: submit contact lists for verification (7-10 days). For phones: dial from kiosk, enter PIN, select number; calls auto-disconnect at 15 minutes. Email: log into TRULINCS terminal, compose/send (up to 13,000 characters), pay fee. Tablets: charge via kiosk, select app, pay per use; content downloads offline.

Monitoring: All non-legal communications reviewed; rejections notified. Appeals via administrative remedies (BP-9). Family setup: register on CorrLinks/ViaPath, fund account.

Accessing Services

Inmates request via unit team; families use vendor portals (CorrLinks.com for email, ViaPath.com for phones/video). No direct BOP support line; issues to vendor helpdesks. Pro se filings for disputes under 28 U.S.C. § 2241.

Impact and Statistics

In 2024, BOP processed 12 million+ phone minutes monthly, with 70% FSA-subsidized post-2025. TRULINCS handled 5 million messages annually; tablets reached 40% of population, boosting education completion by 15%. Family contact correlates with 24% lower recidivism.

Criticisms and Challenges

High fees burden families ($0.06/minute still unaffordable for long calls); monitoring raises privacy concerns, with 2025 "blast" email bans limiting advocacy. Tablet glitches and vendor monopolies (Securus/ViaPath 80% market) exacerbate disparities; contraband phones (25% access estimate) highlight enforcement gaps. Advocates push for free calls, citing equity.

Background

BOP telecom evolved from 1930s payphones to digitized systems post-2000, with TRULINCS piloted 2005 for secure messaging. FCC caps since 2015 reduced interstate rates; FSA (2018) tied incentives to programming.

Legislative History

The Communications Act amendments (1996) enabled FCC oversight; Prison Rape Elimination Act (2003) emphasized family ties. 2024 FCC rules cut rates further, effective 2025, amid lawsuits like Bailey v. BOP on blocks.

Recent Developments

January 2025 ended free pandemic minutes, introducing FSA incentives; FCC delayed some caps to October 2025. Tablet pilots expanded, with Securus/JPay testing subscriptions ($5/month).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can federal inmates have cell phones?

No. Personal cell phones are strictly prohibited in all federal prisons. Possession of a cell phone is a serious disciplinary offense that can result in loss of good time credits (up to 41 days), placement in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) for 30-90 days, transfer to a higher security facility, and additional criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1791 that can add up to one year to a sentence. In 2024, the BOP seized over 8,700 contraband cell phones despite these penalties. Federal inmates must use approved BOP communication systems (monitored phones, TRULINCS email, video visits) for all contact with the outside world.

Q: Can federal inmates use the internet?

No. Federal inmates do not have access to the open internet. All electronic communication occurs through controlled, monitored systems. TRULINCS/CorrLinks provides closed email with no web browsing. Educational tablets contain pre-loaded content only with no live internet connection. Law library computers offer legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis) but no general web access. This restriction exists for security reasons including preventing criminal coordination, witness intimidation, and unauthorized business operations.

Q: How do you call someone in federal prison?

You cannot call INTO a federal prison - inmates must call you. To receive calls: (1) The inmate adds your phone number to their approved contact list (up to 30 numbers). (2) Your number is verified by the BOP (7-10 days). (3) The inmate calls collect or direct-dial from unit phones/kiosks. (4) Calls are limited to 15 minutes and cost $0.06/minute as of 2025. All calls are monitored and recorded except attorney calls. You can also set up video visits through ViaPath at $0.16/minute.

Q: How do you email someone in federal prison?

Federal inmates use TRULINCS/CorrLinks for email. To send emails: (1) Register at CorrLinks.com with your information. (2) The inmate must add you to their approved contact list. (3) Once approved, you can exchange messages at $0.05/minute for inmates and $0.30 per message for outside contacts. Messages are screened and may be delayed up to 24 hours. Photos can be sent for $0.30 each. No attachments, links, or web content are permitted.

Q: How much do phone calls cost from federal prison?

As of January 2025, domestic phone calls from federal prison cost $0.06 per minute for audio and $0.16 per minute for video calls. First Step Act program participants receive 300 free minutes monthly (up to 30 minutes per day). Non-participants pay full rates. International calls follow FCC rate tiers and cost more. Calls automatically disconnect at 15 minutes. Family members can fund accounts through ViaPath.com to pay for calls.

See also

• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• First Step Act
• Visiting Policies and Procedures

External links

• BOP Inmate Phones and Communications
• CorrLinks (TRULINCS Email Portal)