Phone Calls from Blue Ridge Regional Jail — Amherst: Rates, 15‑minute Limit, Debit Credits, and who to call
Staying in touch with someone at Blue Ridge Regional Jail — Amherst is pretty straightforward once you understand who runs the phone system, how calls get billed, and where credits come from. Here's how it works, what the 15‑minute limit actually means, and who to call when something goes wrong.
ViaPath handles phone service for Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, including the Amherst facility. Why does that matter? Most call problems - dropped connections, audio issues, or general questions about how things work - go through the phone provider, not the jail itself.
For phone-related issues at BRRJA, the facility directs friends and family to contact ViaPath at 1.800.483.8314. Not sure if your problem counts as "service-related"? This number is still the right starting point for call blocks, failed connections, or account troubleshooting.
BRRJA also points families to ConnectNetwork.com for more information. That's where you'll find account management, general help, and provider policies when you need more than a quick fix.
Calls from BRRJA are billed by the minute, not per call. A short conversation costs less than a full-length one, so you're only paying for the time you actually use (up to the facility's time cap).
15‑minute limit: Phone calls from BRRJA are capped at a maximum of 15 minutes.
BRRJA sells phone credits for Debit Calls through the commissary. These credits work like other commissary purchases inside the facility - they're not something you can transfer between different jail systems.
- ✓ Debit-call credits sold through the BRRJA commissary are non-refundable.
- ✓ These debit-call credits can’t be used on phones outside Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority facilities.
Oasis is the commissary vendor for Amherst County Adult Detention Center (ACADC). If you're sorting out a commissary issue related to debit credits, having that vendor name handy can save time.
Using an AdvancePay account through ConnectNetwork/ViaPath? Watch out for inactivity rules. After 180 consecutive days without use, your account becomes inactive and the balance is subject to forfeiture. Any activity resets the clock.
- Call customer service to request the refund - ConnectNetwork says a refund can be obtained by calling 877-650-4249.
Security note: ConnectNetwork/Telmate has disclosed that in August 2020, the personal information of thousands of users was exposed in a data breach. If you use these services, keep an eye on your accounts and payment methods for anything you don’t recognize.
Practical Steps Who to Call
- ✓ For BRRJA inmate phone service issues (connection problems, call blocks, troubleshooting), contact ViaPath at 1.800.483.8314.
- ✓ If your person needs debit-call credits, those are sold through the commissary.
- ✓ If you keep money in an AdvancePay account, watch the 180-day inactivity rule so your balance doesn’t become subject to forfeiture.
For general provider information, BRRJA directs families to ConnectNetwork.com. Need an AdvancePay refund specifically? Call customer service at 877-650-4249.
Tip: Because ConnectNetwork/Telmate reported a past data exposure, treat any unexpected charges or account changes as a red flag and review your account activity regularly.
Find an Inmate at Blue Ridge Regional Jail -Amherst
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
