I have spent the last several hours going through threads on this site and I am excited to have found such a support group. I was browsing the internet for information on HR 4036 and somehow came across your site. I am actually trying to help out an ex-boyfriend of mine (my first love) from 15 years ago. He recently was transferred to USP Lee. Unfortunately, I know a wealth of information regarding DOC in Florida, but nothing when it comes to federal prison. I've learned alot these last couple of hours. Thank you. I hope to go and see him someday and would appreciate any information or warnings regarding visitation. Also, recommendations and/or warnings with the discount phone call stuff. Again, thanks for putting all this information in a good place that feels so comfy.

Cam:)

Welcome!! We are so happy to have you here!!!

A very warm welcome cad1. We are glad you've joined us!

cad

Welcome to PTO!

Not familiar with visitations at this facility but often times our advice goes with all.

As for phones...they say the cost have gone up 3 cents per minute. If the prisoner calls you collect, you can expect to pay around $9.00 for a 15 minute call.

If he calls you prepaid.....he gets a much cheaper cost of around $3.00.

So...it makes sense for him to call prepaid if he has money on his books!

As for the discount services offered by some companies, I am not sure they can beat the discount the inmate gets for prepaid calls. Infact I am not sure they help with the federal phone systems. We stick to the prepaid calls...it just makes sense!

Glad to have you here on PTO!
Diane

HI and welcome!! I am new to PTO as well and have loved every minute. My fiance has been in several federal facilities over the past 3 1/2 yrs so I may be able to give you a lil info as well.
Yes, it is definetly much cheaper if he calls you pre paid. The collect calls can get out of hand. Talib only calls me collect in a pinch (maybe once a month). It is so much higher. As far as how the facilities are, from what I understand Jesup, Ga and Butner or Seymour Johnson in NC are really good. Visitation usually changes from place to place so always be sure to call the prison for specifics. I have never been hassled by them on the phone and they were always very helpful....Now in person it was a different story.
Take care and I hope you enjoy PTO! Sumayyah

Thanks for the warm welcome from all. I was hoping that the telephone companies I read about would work out to be cheaper. But I've since found out on top of the charges there is a 21+ monthly line fee for the local line they call and would really only be beneficial if the person made alot of calls per month. Since they are restricted to the 300 minutes a month, you'd have to be talking to more than one inmate in the facility. These companies are probably better suited for attorneys, etc. Again, Thanks. Cad1

They do help out on state prisons....but I haven't found anything to really help out with Feds.

I don't think anyone can get it cheaper then the prepaid calls....so we'll stick to that!

I agree 100% with you, Diane. As someone who has experienced the cost of telephone calls on both the federal and state level and from both inside and outside the system, this is once instance where the feds can't be beat! :)