Prison calls should not cost a fortune!

When Sarah checks her phone bill each month, she faces an agonising decision: should she pay her utility bills or stay connected with her husband in HMP Belmarsh, often considered the toughest prison in UK? This isn't a unique situation. Across the United Kingdom, from famous British prisons like HMP Wakefield to lesser-known facilities, thousands of families are searching for cheap prison calls and unlimited prison calls options to stay connected with their loved ones.

Understanding prison communication

The timing of calls is a crucial concern for many families. "What time can prisoners call UK contacts?" is one of the most frequently asked questions. Generally, prisoners can make calls during specific time slots, typically between 7:30 AM and 10:30 PM, though this varies by facility. For those who've missed a call from someone in jail, it's important to remember that prisoners cannot receive incoming calls, making each contact opportunity precious.

These restrictions are particularly strict in facilities like HMP Manchester (formerly Strangeways), often cited among the most dangerous prisons in the UK. Such high-security facilities, which have housed famous UK criminals throughout history, maintain rigorous monitoring of all communications.

The current state of prison phone calls

The numbers are troubling. In HM Prisons, including facilities that have housed celebrity prisoners UK wide, inmates must purchase phone credit through the prison shop. For families seeking cheap prison calls, the reality can be shocking - calls to mobile phones cost up to 20p per minute. This rate is particularly concerning when compared to some of the top 10 worst prisons in the world, where some countries have implemented more affordable communication systems.

The impact on families and rehabilitation

The system affects everyone from ordinary families to celebrities in prison UK facilities. Consider the case of James Thompson, whose wife received a suspended sentence before eventually being incarcerated. "Understanding the disadvantages of suspended sentences was difficult enough," he explains, "but now I spend about £200 monthly just on phone calls. That's money that could go towards our children's needs."

Technology solutions and progress

Some UK prisons are exploring solutions for unlimited prison calls through digital technologies. The Prison Video Calls Service, introduced during the pandemic, has shown promise, particularly in famous British prisons that often serve as testing grounds for new systems. These innovations are especially important in high-security facilities, which often house celebrity prisoners UK media frequently reports on.

Our practical guide to managing prison call costs

For families wondering "what time can prisoners make phone calls," here's a practical guide:Most prisons allow calls between 7:30 AM and 10:30 PMCall times may be more restricted in higher-security facilitiesSome prisons offer in-cell phones with longer calling hoursWeekend calling times may differSpecial restrictions may apply in high-security unitsFor those seeking cheap prison calls, consider these strategies:Purchase phone credit in bulk when possibleUse landlines rather than mobile phones when receiving callsCheck if your prison offers any digital communication alternativesConsider supplementing calls with letters or emailsLook into whether your facility offers any special rate periods

Looking to the future

As we see with many celebrities in prison UK facilities, public attention can help drive change. Several advocacy groups are pushing for reforms similar to those implemented in other European countries, aiming to make unlimited prison calls a reality for all inmates, not just those in minimum security facilities.

From the toughest prison in UK to minimum security facilities, the need for affordable communication remains constant. Whether dealing with the disadvantages of suspended sentences, navigating the most dangerous prison in the UK, or simply trying to maintain family connections, access to affordable phone calls should be a right, not a privilege.

The solution requires a combination of policy changes, technological innovation, and a fundamental shift in how we view communication rights in the context of incarceration. Until then, thousands of families will continue searching for cheap prison calls and unlimited prison calls options, trying to bridge the gap between their loved ones and home.