Prison Call vs Fonesavvy

When a loved one is in prison, staying connected becomes more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline. But for many families, the high cost of prison-to-mobile phone calls is a heavy burden. That’s why many turn to services like Prison Call and FoneSavvy, both offering ways to reduce call costs through virtual landline numbers. This comparison will help you decide which service offers the best value, reliability and transparency for keeping in touch affordably.

How a Virtual Landlines Makes a Big Difference

Before we dive into comparing the two providers, it’s useful to understand how virtual landlines work in this context. Most UK prisons allow inmates to call approved numbers via the PIN-phone system—but mobile numbers cost significantly more than landlines. Using a service like Prison Call or FoneSavvy, you receive a virtual landline number which your loved one can call at the lower landline rate. That call is then forwarded to your mobile or home phone. This change alone can save families up to 70-80% on prison call costs.

Cost and Savings Comparison

One of the primary reasons people switch to a specialist service is cost-savings. A standard prison-to-mobile call might cost around £0.20–£0.25 per minute, which adds up quickly.

- With Prison Call, families can access rates from as little as ~3 p per minute, helping them talk longer without high expenses.
- FoneSavvy (sometimes spelled PhoneSavvy) advertises landline forwards and cheaper rates, though their published headline rates appear higher or less transparent than Prison Call’s.

Even small differences in per-minute price matter. Imagine five 20-minute calls a week: at 25 p/min that could be ~£100/month. At 3 p/min with Prison Call, the cost might be ~£12/month—big savings. With FoneSavvy, unless you’re benefiting from an exceptional deal, your monthly outlay tends to be higher.

Setup Speed & Ease of Use

When you’re trying to get connected fast, the setup process can make a difference. Prison Call offers a streamlined online signup, same-day virtual landline setup in many cases, and clear instructions for adding the number to the prisoner’s PIN list.

FoneSavvy also claims instant activation and a straightforward landline-forward service. But some user reports have flagged setup delays, additional registration fees or verification steps. If rapid, hassle-free setup matters to you, the smoother process offered by Prison Call gives it an advantage.

Reliability & Prison Compatibility

A virtual landline is only valuable if it is reliably accepted by the prison and the call goes through each time. Prison Call emphasises strong compatibility with UK prison PIN systems and offers support if a number needs verifying or re-authorising.

FoneSavvy has had some reported compatibility issues. For example, an article noted certain prisons in England and Wales were reluctant to accept FoneSavvy numbers due to interpretation of an old Prison Service Instruction (PSI) about diverted numbers. Reliability matters, especially if your loved one switches prisons or wing, so the provider with stronger support and proven track-record scores higher here.

Transparency, Fees & Hidden Costs

One of the biggest worries for families is whether the number they buy will actually work reliably from inside the prison.

Prison Call focuses specifically on the UK prison network, ensuring its landline numbers are fully compatible with the prison PIN system. Their support team also helps if a number needs re-authorising or is rejected by the prison.

Cell Phone Rocks does offer UK landlines, but their service isn’t built solely around prisons, meaning some users may run into compatibility issues at certain establishments. While it may work in many cases, support and troubleshooting may be slower or less tailored to the prison environment.

Customer Support & Reputation

When something goes wrong—say the number isn’t accepted, the call drops or the account needs updating—the quality of customer support becomes vital. Prison Call emphasises UK-based support, responsive service and a track record of assisting families in the prison calling context.

FoneSavvy offers support and claims case-by-case assistance, but reviews suggest some users experienced slower responses or tighter eligibility requirements. Choosing the provider with strong support means one less worry when you’re already dealing with difficult circumstances.

Why Cheap Prison Calls Make a Difference

Affordable calls are more than just financial relief: they help maintain family ties, reduce prisoner isolation, support mental health and contribute to better rehabilitation outcomes. Regular communication is linked to lower rates of re-offending and improved post-release success. By choosing a service that allows you to talk more often for less, you’re actively helping maintain that vital connection.

Final Verdict — Prison Call vs FoneSavvy

Both services aim to reduce the cost of prison calls via virtual landlines—but for most families, Prison Call emerges as the stronger, more user-friendly and cost-effective choice.

- Lower and more predictable per-minute rates
- Easy and fast setup
- Better proven compatibility with UK prisons
- Fewer hidden fees and a transparent pricing model
- Strong support tailored to families of prisoners

If you’re comfortable navigating bundles, verification steps and slightly higher costs, FoneSavvy can still provide savings compared with standard prison call rates. But if your priority is maximum savings, ease of use and reliability, Prison Call stands out.

Get Started & Save on Prison Calls Today

Don’t let the cost of prison calls limit your ability to stay connected. With Prison Call, you can set up a virtual landline number in minutes, start saving immediately and enjoy longer conversations for less.

👉 Sign up with Prison Call now and see how much you could save.