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Calling Someone at Alger: Phone Rates and How to Set Up an AdvancePay Account

Want to get phone calls from someone at Alger? Two things matter most: understanding the phone provider rules (including the 20-number PAN list) and setting up an AdvancePay account so calls can actually reach you.

• 3 min read • michigan.gov
Calling Someone at Alger: Phone Rates and How to Set Up an AdvancePay Account

Global Tel*Link Corporation (GTL) handles phone service for Michigan Department of Corrections facilities, including Alger. Account setup, troubleshooting, and billing all go through GTL/ViaPath systems - so make sure your account details match the phone number where you want to receive calls.

There's a limit on who can be called. Prisoners can only call up to 20 personal telephone numbers - this is called the Personal Allowed Numbers (PAN) list. If your number isn't on that list, you won't receive calls, even with a prepaid account set up. Changing phone numbers or adding someone new (like a caregiver or spouse) takes some planning because of this cap.

Note: PAN lists automatically reset each quarter on 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1.

Call rates are straightforward. As of October 1, 2023, ViaPath (GTL) charges $0.0735 per minute for all calls. Taxes and fees add to this, so your total will be higher than the base rate.

Receiving calls from an international destination? Pricing works differently. You'll pay the same $0.0735 per-minute base rate, plus an additional termination fee that varies by country (published by ViaPath). That destination charge stacks on top of the normal rate.

Calling Someone at Alger: Phone Rates and How to Set Up an AdvancePay Account
  1. Go to the ConnectNetwork site - Use the ConnectNetwork website to start an AdvancePay prepaid calling account.
  2. Create your AdvancePay account - Set up your profile so it’s tied to the phone number(s) you want to receive calls on.
  3. Add funds - Once the account is funded, call charges can be deducted from your AdvancePay balance when your number is called.
  1. Call GTL/ViaPath to set up AdvancePay - Dial 855-466-2832.
  2. Set up your account for your phone number - Tell the representative the number you want associated with your prepaid calling account.
  3. Fund the account - Add money to the AdvancePay balance so calls to your number can pull from prepaid funds.

Need help with billing or technical problems? Contact GTL Support at (855) 466-2832 or email visitorsupport@gtl.net.

Once you create an AdvancePay account, watch out for inactivity. After 180 consecutive days without use, your account becomes inactive and funds may be forfeited (unless local law or contract terms say otherwise). The good news: any activity resets that 180-day clock.

  • ✓ Call ConnectNetwork customer service at 877-650-4249 to request a refund of your AdvancePay balance.
  • ✓ Ask for the refund for the specific AdvancePay account you want refunded.
  • ✓ Keep your account details handy so customer service can locate the right balance.

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