
Based on looking at the website, Prisonphone.co.uk presents itself as a service designed to significantly reduce the cost of mobile phone calls for individuals receiving calls from UK prisons. The core offering aims to convert expensive mobile rates into cheaper local landline rates for the prisoner, extending their phone credit and making it easier for families to stay connected. While the premise of facilitating communication between prisoners and their families seems beneficial on the surface, a thorough ethical review, particularly from an Islamic perspective, requires a deeper look into the transparency, fairness, and potential for exploitation within such a system.
Here’s an overall review summary of Prisonphone.co.uk based on its homepage:
- Service Purpose: Reduces call costs from UK prisons to mobile phones by converting mobile rates to local landline rates for the prisoner.
- Key Claims: Prisoners save up to 75% on calls, online sign-up in under 3 minutes, 30-day cancellation, UK-based customer care, online usage tracker.
- Ethical Concerns (Initial): While aiming to connect families, the service itself operates within a system that profits from a captive audience (prisoners) and their families. The structure of the pricing and the potential for a dependent relationship with the service warrants scrutiny.
- Transparency: The website provides some pricing indicators (e.g., 7p per minute + VAT after allowance) and package types (Local, Family, International), but detailed terms for allowances and specific package costs are not immediately front and centre on the homepage, requiring further navigation.
- Customer Support: Claims UK-based customer care.
- Security: States they “securely link our lines with your existing mobile handset to fully comply with rules set by HMPPS.”
The concept of keeping families connected is undeniably important, especially for those in difficult circumstances. However, the mechanism through which this connection is facilitated – a third-party service charging a fee to reduce costs within a system where communication is already constrained – raises questions about the ethical implications. From an Islamic standpoint, dealings should be characterised by utmost fairness, transparency, and a lack of exploitation. Any service that potentially preys on vulnerability, or extracts profit disproportionately from a difficult situation, needs to be viewed with caution. While Prisonphone.co.uk highlights the benefit to prisoners, the actual benefit and cost-effectiveness for the receiving party (the family) must be absolutely clear and justifiable. The fact that the service charges for what is essentially a re-routing of calls, even if it saves the prisoner money, requires careful consideration to ensure it does not become an undue financial burden on families already facing hardship.
Given the complexities and potential ethical grey areas surrounding services that operate within the prison system and charge for communication, exploring alternative methods of support and connection that do not involve additional financial layers is often preferable.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Communication & Support:
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When considering ethical and beneficial alternatives for supporting families and individuals, particularly those navigating challenging situations like imprisonment, the focus should shift to services and products that genuinely empower, educate, and provide direct, unburdened support. These alternatives avoid complex financial arrangements or profiting from distress, aligning more closely with Islamic principles of mutual aid and genuine benefit.
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Pre-Paid International Calling Cards (if applicable for international communication):
- Key Features: Allows direct purchase of credit for international calls, transparent per-minute rates, no recurring subscriptions.
- Average Price: Varies based on credit amount (e.g., £5-£20).
- Pros: Clear cost control, no hidden fees, promotes responsible spending, often available widely.
- Cons: Can be limited to specific networks or countries, requires active management of credit.
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Voice over IP (VoIP) Services (for general communication outside prison context):
- Key Features: Often offers very low-cost or free calls between app users, competitive rates for landlines/mobiles, flexible communication.
- Average Price: Many services offer free app-to-app calls; paid plans can be £5-£15/month for unlimited calls.
- Pros: Highly cost-effective for everyday use, diverse features (video calls, messaging), supports wide range of devices.
- Cons: Requires internet connection, not directly applicable for calls from prison.
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Books on Family Communication & Resilience:
- Key Features: Provides guidance on maintaining strong family bonds, coping strategies, and effective communication techniques during difficult times.
- Average Price: £8-£20 per book.
- Pros: Empowers families with knowledge, promotes mental well-being, long-term benefit, aligns with seeking knowledge.
- Cons: Not a direct communication tool, requires active reading and application.
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Journaling Supplies (for personal reflection and communication preparation):
- Key Features: Notebooks, pens, and prompts to encourage reflection, planning communication, and expressing thoughts.
- Average Price: £10-£30 for a set.
- Pros: Aids in emotional processing, helps organise thoughts for meaningful conversations, promotes self-care.
- Cons: Not a direct communication channel, requires personal discipline.
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Online Educational Courses on Digital Literacy:
- Key Features: Teaches individuals how to use digital tools effectively and securely, including managing online communication.
- Average Price: Varies, some free courses available, paid courses £20-£100+.
- Pros: Empowers individuals with essential modern skills, promotes independent communication, long-term personal development.
- Cons: Not directly related to prison calls, requires internet access and device.
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Family Budgeting Planners and Tools:
- Key Features: Helps families manage finances, track expenses, and plan for communication costs within their means.
- Average Price: £10-£25 for a physical planner; many free apps available.
- Pros: Promotes financial responsibility, reduces stress related to communication costs, aligns with prudent financial management.
- Cons: Requires discipline to follow, not a direct communication facilitator.
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Support Group Directories and Resources (for connecting with others in similar situations):
- Key Features: Provides information on local and online support groups for families of incarcerated individuals, offering emotional and practical support.
- Average Price: Free (for information and joining groups).
- Pros: Offers community, shared experiences, emotional support, and practical advice, aligns with mutual support.
- Cons: Not a direct product, requires outreach and participation.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Exploring Prisonphone.co.uk’s Service Model
The service offered by Prisonphone.co.uk is predicated on a specific need: bridging the communication gap for individuals incarcerated in UK prisons. The core promise is a reduction in call costs for prisoners, shifting the burden of expensive mobile rates to a more affordable landline rate, while the recipient (family member) pays a separate per-minute charge. This model aims to extend a prisoner’s phone credit, ostensibly increasing their ability to stay connected with loved ones. While the intention to facilitate communication is understandable, the underlying mechanics and ethical implications of such a service warrant a meticulous examination, especially when viewed through the lens of fairness and avoidance of exploitation, principles deeply embedded in Islamic financial ethics. The system, by its very nature, operates within a constrained environment where choices for prisoners are limited, and their families are often in vulnerable positions, eager to maintain contact.
Prisonphone.co.uk Review & First Look
Upon an initial review of the Prisonphone.co.uk website, the primary focus is on simplifying the process of reducing call costs from UK prisons. The site immediately highlights its core value proposition: saving prisoners approximately 75% on call charges to mobile phones. The user journey is streamlined, emphasising a quick online sign-up process “in under 3 mins.” This direct approach is designed to appeal to families seeking immediate relief from high communication costs.
- Website Navigation: The homepage is relatively clean, with clear calls to action such as “SIGN UP NOW.”
- Stated Benefits: The site lists several benefits, including:
- “Prisoner saves 75% on calls”
- “UK Based customer care”
- “Online usage tracker”
- “Easy 30 days cancellation”
- Initial Impression: The overall impression is that of a specialist service addressing a very specific, and often distressing, need. However, the lack of immediate, transparent pricing details for all package options on the homepage, requiring further clicks to “Tell me more,” could be a point of concern for some users. While it mentions 7p per minute + VAT after an initial allowance, the specifics of this allowance or the cost of the “Local,” “Family,” and “International” packages are not immediately evident without deeper navigation.
Prisonphone.co.uk Cons
While the service aims to address a legitimate need, several aspects of Prisonphone.co.uk, particularly when viewed through an ethical and transparent lens, present potential drawbacks or concerns.
- Dependence on a Third-Party Service: The reliance on a third-party service to mediate communication, rather than direct, transparent pricing from the prison system itself, can create a dependency. Families become reliant on Prisonphone.co.uk for cheaper calls, which, in an ideal world, should be directly affordable or facilitated by the prison system itself.
- Lack of Absolute Transparency on Homepage: While some pricing is mentioned (7p per minute + VAT), the exact cost of the “allowance” or the monthly fees for the “Local,” “Family,” and “International” packages are not explicitly detailed on the main landing page. Users must click “Tell me more” to access this, which could be perceived as a lack of upfront transparency. A truly user-centric service would make all pricing tiers and associated terms immediately visible.
- Potential for Exploitation (Indirect): Though not directly exploiting, services operating within a constrained environment like prisons inherently carry a risk. Families are often desperate to maintain contact, making them potentially vulnerable to services that, while offering a perceived saving, still add an additional financial layer to an already challenging situation. The question arises whether the savings truly justify the ongoing subscription model.
- Ethical Scrutiny: From an ethical standpoint, particularly in Islamic finance, transactions should be clear, fair, and free from elements that could be seen as profiting unduly from distress or necessity. While Prisonphone.co.uk frames itself as a solution, the fact that a company profits from mediating communication for incarcerated individuals—a basic human right—raises questions about the broader system and the role of such intermediaries. It could be argued that the burden of high call costs should be addressed by the authorities directly, rather than through paid intermediaries.
- Limited Public Reviews (Not Evident on Site): The homepage doesn’t prominently feature customer testimonials or external review platform ratings, which could enhance trust and transparency. While a company’s own site might not be the place for negative reviews, a lack of prominent, verifiable positive feedback could raise questions for some users.
Prisonphone.co.uk Alternatives
When considering alternatives to services like Prisonphone.co.uk, the focus should shift towards solutions that are inherently ethical, promote self-reliance, and avoid commercial exploitation of challenging circumstances. Since direct alternatives for rerouting prison calls are limited by the prison system itself, the alternatives here focus on broader ethical communication, support, and financial management that align with Islamic principles.
- Direct Prison-Approved Communication Channels: Families should always first explore and utilise the direct communication channels provided by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
- Key Features: These typically include standard prison payphone systems where prisoners use their own credit, and visitation rights (in-person or virtual where available). The costs are set by the prison system or approved contractors, often more transparently.
- Pros: Direct, avoids third-party intermediation, regulated by official bodies.
- Cons: Call costs can still be high to mobiles, visitations are limited.
- Budgeting and Financial Planning Tools: Instead of relying on services to reduce costs, families can proactively manage their finances to accommodate communication needs without incurring additional service fees.
- Family Budgeting Planners: Utilise tools like budgeting apps or physical planners to allocate funds specifically for prisoner calls. This empowers families to take control of their finances.
- Pros: Promotes financial literacy and independence, avoids recurring service fees, encourages mindful spending.
- Cons: Requires discipline and active financial management.
- Community and Charitable Support: Explore support groups or charities that assist families of prisoners. These organisations often provide advice, resources, and sometimes direct financial aid for communication costs or transportation for visits.
- Key Resources: Organisations like Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) or Families Outside (in Scotland) offer valuable support.
- Pros: Provides holistic support beyond just call costs, connects families with shared experiences, often free or low-cost services.
- Cons: Services vary by location and availability, not a direct substitute for a phone call.
- Skill Development in Frugal Living: Empowering families with skills to manage household expenses more effectively can indirectly free up funds for essential communication.
- Books on Frugal Living and Financial Management: Resources that teach practical ways to save money on everyday expenses.
- Pros: Long-term financial benefit, promotes self-sufficiency, applicable to all aspects of life.
- Cons: Indirect benefit to call costs, requires active learning and implementation.
- Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Support organisations that advocate for lower prison call charges and better communication policies within the justice system. Collective action can lead to systemic change, benefiting all families.
- Key Action: Engaging with campaigns by human rights organisations or prisoner welfare charities.
- Pros: Addresses the root cause of high call costs, promotes justice and fairness on a larger scale.
- Cons: Long-term effort, not an immediate solution for individual call costs.
How to Cancel Prisonphone.co.uk Subscription
Based on the information provided on the homepage, Prisonphone.co.uk states “Easy 30 days cancellation.” This indicates that the cancellation process is designed to be straightforward, likely within a monthly billing cycle. Typically, for online subscription services, cancellation methods include:
- Online Account Portal: The most common method. Users would log into their Prisonphone.co.uk account, navigate to a “My Account,” “Subscriptions,” or “Billing” section, and locate an option to cancel or manage their subscription.
- Contacting Customer Care: If an online option isn’t immediately obvious or if there are issues, contacting their “UK Based customer care” via phone or email would be the next step.
- Written Notice: In some cases, a written cancellation request might be required, especially for services with more formal terms. However, the “easy 30 days cancellation” suggests a less formal, more digital process.
Key Steps to Consider for Cancellation:
- Check Your Account: Log into your Prisonphone.co.uk account and look for a cancellation option.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Before cancelling, re-read the terms related to cancellation that you agreed to when signing up. This ensures you understand any notice periods or potential pro-rata refunds (though services like this often don’t offer pro-rata for a partial month).
- Confirm Cancellation: Ensure you receive a confirmation email or message that your subscription has been successfully cancelled to avoid further charges.
- Monitor Bank Statements: Check your bank statements for a few months after cancellation to ensure no further charges from Prisonphone.co.uk.
Prisonphone.co.uk Pricing
The Prisonphone.co.uk homepage provides some, but not complete, clarity on its pricing structure. It outlines a model where an initial allowance is provided, after which a per-minute charge applies.
- Post-Allowance Rate: The website states: “Once you have received the calls to match your allowance we will simply charge you 7p per minute + VAT (8.4ppm inc VAT) to continue receiving the calls.” This is the core ongoing cost once any included allowance is used up.
- Package Types: The site mentions three main package types:
- Local: “Local packages start from just £5.99 per month and give any UK inmate the ability to call your mobile phone for a fraction of the current cost.” This indicates a monthly subscription fee.
- Family: “Our family packages have been designed to keep the whole family connected, this gives the inmate the ability to call upto 5 people again at a fraction of the cost.” This suggests a higher monthly fee for multiple numbers.
- International: “Our global partnership agreements allow us to connect to almost all international telecoms networks meaning prisoners can save significant amounts on calls outside of the UK.” This implies potentially the highest monthly fee.
What’s Not Immediately Clear:
- Initial Allowance Details: The precise allowance (e.g., number of minutes or call value) included with each of the “Local,” “Family,” or “International” packages is not detailed on the homepage. Users need to click “Tell me more” to uncover these specifics, which leads to their “Plans” page.
- Exact Monthly Fees: While the “Local” package states “start from just £5.99 per month,” the exact tiered pricing for different allowances or for the “Family” and “International” packages isn’t upfront.
Analysis of the Pricing Model: Theroastery.co.uk Review
The pricing model, with a monthly subscription fee and then a per-minute charge after an allowance, is a common one for communication services. However, in the context of prison calls, where families are often under financial strain, the transparency of the full cost and the exact value of the allowance becomes paramount. The “7p per minute + VAT” rate is competitive for mobile calls if indeed the prisoner is only charged a landline rate. The core value proposition hinges on whether the overall cost to the family (subscription + per-minute) is significantly less than what they would pay if the prisoner called their mobile directly at standard mobile rates. This requires a careful comparison from the user’s perspective, which isn’t easily facilitated by the homepage’s pricing presentation.
Prisonphone.co.uk vs. Direct Prison Communication
When evaluating Prisonphone.co.uk, it’s crucial to compare its service with the direct communication options available through the UK prison system. This comparison helps ascertain the true value proposition and any potential hidden costs or trade-offs.
- Direct Prison Payphone Calls:
- Mechanism: Prisoners use their personal prison phone credit to make calls directly from prison payphones.
- Rates: HMPPS sets the rates. Calls to landlines are generally cheaper than calls to mobile phones.
- Pros: No third-party intermediary, rates are fixed by the prison service, perceived simplicity for the prisoner.
- Cons: Mobile call rates can be expensive, quickly depleting a prisoner’s credit. Families waiting for calls might need a landline to truly benefit from lower rates if they want longer calls.
- Prisonphone.co.uk Service:
- Mechanism: The service provides a local landline number that the prisoner calls. This call is then routed to the family’s mobile phone. The prisoner is charged the landline rate, while the family pays Prisonphone.co.uk a monthly subscription and a per-minute rate after an allowance.
- Rates: Monthly subscription (starting from £5.99 for “Local” packages) plus 7p per minute + VAT (8.4ppm inc VAT) after allowance.
- Pros: Aims to significantly reduce the cost of mobile calls for the prisoner, allowing their credit to stretch further. Offers the convenience of receiving calls on a mobile for the family, rather than being tied to a landline.
- Cons: Introduces a third-party intermediary and an additional monthly cost for the family. The actual total cost to the family (subscription + per-minute charges) needs careful calculation against direct mobile-to-mobile prison call rates to determine true savings. Families must be diligent in managing their usage to stay within allowances or understand the per-minute charges.
Comparison Points:
- Cost Burden: Prisonphone.co.uk shifts some of the cost burden from the prisoner’s limited credit to the family’s mobile bill, albeit at a potentially reduced rate. Direct prison calls place the burden solely on the prisoner’s credit, but at higher mobile rates.
- Convenience for Family: Prisonphone.co.uk offers convenience by allowing families to receive calls on their mobile phones at a reduced cost, freeing them from needing a landline. Direct calls to mobiles from prison are costly.
- Transparency: While direct prison call rates are usually published by HMPPS, Prisonphone.co.uk’s full pricing (especially initial allowances for different packages) requires navigating beyond the homepage.
- Ethical Lens: The direct prison system, while expensive for mobile calls, does not introduce a profit-driven intermediary for the basic act of communication. Prisonphone.co.uk, by existing as a commercial entity to “reduce costs,” positions itself in a space where essential communication is commodified.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual family’s financial situation, their communication needs, and their comfort level with a third-party service. For some, the convenience and potential prisoner savings offered by Prisonphone.co.uk might outweigh the additional subscription cost. For others, exploring direct prison communication and managing finances carefully might be preferred to avoid another monthly bill.
Prisonphone.co.uk’s Stated Intentions and Impact
Prisonphone.co.uk explicitly states its mission as having “the sole intention of keeping families and prisoners connected in the hope we can help to reduce reoffending, self harm and suicide.” This is a significant claim, aligning the service with broader societal benefits beyond mere cost reduction. Littlebugsco.co.uk Review
- Social Impact Claims:
- Reducing Reoffending: Maintaining strong family ties is widely acknowledged as a critical factor in reducing recidivism. Studies and governmental reports often highlight the importance of family contact in rehabilitation and reintegration. For example, a 2017 Ministry of Justice report in the UK emphasised this link.
- Reducing Self-Harm and Suicide: Isolation and lack of contact with loved ones can severely impact the mental health of prisoners. Facilitating communication can provide crucial emotional support, potentially mitigating risks of self-harm and suicide within correctional facilities.
- Mechanism for Achieving Impact: The company asserts that by “reducing the cost of mobile calls from any UK prison,” their “price plans will help to increase family contact.” The logic here is that if calls are cheaper for the prisoner, they will make more calls, leading to increased contact.
- Ethical Consideration of Intent vs. Operation: While the stated intentions are commendable and align with positive social outcomes, the practical application remains a commercial service. The ethical question then becomes: Does the commercial model genuinely serve these social aims optimally, or does it primarily function as a for-profit enterprise that incidentally aligns with these aims? A truly ethical approach would ideally seek to provide such vital services at the lowest possible cost, or even freely where possible, particularly to vulnerable populations. The reliance on a subscription model for families, even with reduced per-minute rates for the prisoner, means that access to these “beneficial” increased contacts is still contingent on the family’s ability to pay the ongoing service fee.
Conclusion on Intent and Impact: The stated intentions are positive and reflect a genuine societal need. However, the commercial nature of the solution means that its primary mechanism for delivering this social benefit is through a paid service. For families facing financial hardship, even a “reduced cost” might still be a barrier, potentially limiting the very contact that the service aims to increase. Therefore, while the intent is good, the method of delivery within a commercial framework requires careful scrutiny regarding accessibility and fairness.
FAQ
What is Prisonphone.co.uk?
Prisonphone.co.uk is an online service designed to reduce the cost of mobile phone calls made from UK prisons to families and friends. It achieves this by providing a local landline number that prisoners can call, with the service then routing these calls to the family’s mobile, effectively making the prisoner’s call cheaper.
How does Prisonphone.co.uk save money for prisoners?
Prisonphone.co.uk saves money for prisoners by allowing them to dial a local landline number provided by the service, for which they are charged the cheaper landline rate by the prison. This call is then redirected to the recipient’s mobile phone, meaning the prisoner’s phone credit lasts longer.
What are the main benefits of using Prisonphone.co.uk?
The main benefits highlighted by Prisonphone.co.uk include reducing call costs for prisoners by up to 75%, allowing family members to receive calls on their mobile phones (instead of waiting by a landline), providing UK-based customer care, and offering an online usage tracker.
Is Prisonphone.co.uk legitimate and compliant with HMPPS rules?
Based on its homepage, Prisonphone.co.uk claims to “securely link our lines with your existing mobile handset to fully comply with rules set by HMPPS (formerly NOMS).” This suggests they operate within the established regulations for prison communication. Tilswall.co.uk Review
How much does Prisonphone.co.uk cost?
Prisonphone.co.uk offers different packages, with “Local packages starting from just £5.99 per month.” After an initial allowance within the chosen package, calls are charged at 7p per minute + VAT (8.4ppm inc VAT). Exact allowance details require navigating further into their plans page.
Can I cancel my Prisonphone.co.uk subscription easily?
Yes, Prisonphone.co.uk states that it offers “Easy 30 days cancellation,” implying a straightforward process, likely through an online account portal or by contacting their customer service.
Does Prisonphone.co.uk offer international calling?
Yes, Prisonphone.co.uk states it offers “International” packages, claiming global partnership agreements that allow prisoners to save significant amounts on calls outside of the UK.
What types of packages does Prisonphone.co.uk offer?
Prisonphone.co.uk offers “Local,” “Family,” and “International” packages. The “Local” package is for one mobile number, while the “Family” package allows calls to up to five people.
How quickly can I sign up for Prisonphone.co.uk?
The website claims that users can “Simply sign up online in under 3 mins to get your account open today.” Jmbuildingcontractors.co.uk Review
Does Prisonphone.co.uk provide an online usage tracker?
Yes, the homepage states that Prisonphone.co.uk provides an “Online usage tracker,” which allows users to monitor their call usage.
Is there a free trial for Prisonphone.co.uk?
The homepage does not explicitly mention a free trial for Prisonphone.co.uk. The pricing structure appears to be based on paid packages starting from a monthly fee.
How does Prisonphone.co.uk claim to reduce reoffending and self-harm?
Prisonphone.co.uk claims that by reducing the cost of calls and increasing family contact, they “can help to reduce reoffending, self harm and suicide,” based on the widely accepted idea that strong family ties aid rehabilitation and mental well-being for prisoners.
What network does Prisonphone.co.uk run over?
The Prisonphone.co.uk website states that it is “Running over BT network.”
Who owns Prisonphone.co.uk?
The website mentions “Prison Phone Ltd” as the telecoms provider behind the service. Chelseafurnishings.co.uk Review
Are there any hidden fees with Prisonphone.co.uk?
While the homepage explicitly states 7p per minute + VAT after allowance, and mentions package starting prices, users should always review the full terms and conditions on their “Plans” page to ensure no hidden fees or additional charges are present before signing up.
How does the ‘allowance’ work with Prisonphone.co.uk packages?
The homepage indicates that “Once you have received the calls to match your allowance we will simply charge you 7p per minute + VAT.” The specific details of what constitutes the “allowance” for each package (e.g., how many minutes or call value) are not clear on the homepage and would need to be checked on their dedicated plans page.
What if I want to add more than one mobile number to my Prisonphone.co.uk account?
The “Family” package offered by Prisonphone.co.uk is designed for this purpose, allowing the inmate to call up to five people.
Can I get support from Prisonphone.co.uk if I have issues?
Yes, Prisonphone.co.uk claims to offer “UK Based customer care” to assist users with any issues or queries they may have.
Does Prisonphone.co.uk replace traditional prison visitation?
No, Prisonphone.co.uk is a call routing service and does not replace traditional in-person or video prison visitations, which are separate communication methods arranged directly with the prison. Citadelstone.co.uk Review
What happens if I go over my allowance with Prisonphone.co.uk?
If you exceed the allowance included in your chosen Prisonphone.co.uk package, you will be charged 7p per minute + VAT (8.4ppm inc VAT) for any subsequent calls received during that billing period.
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