Will video calls cost less at Deuel? Securus vs ViaPath — prices and the free 30‑minute change

CDCR says the switch is meant to lower costs for families - specifically for video calls and e-messages. They awarded a new telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies while also securing an interim agreement with ViaPath to keep services running during the transition. That's why you might still see ViaPath at some institutions while Securus rolls out.

On CDCR’s cost comparison chart, video calls are listed at $0.10 per minute with Securus versus $0.16 per minute with ViaPath. E‑messages are listed at $0.03 each with Securus versus $0.05 each with ViaPath. If your main costs are video time and messages, those per‑unit numbers are the clearest way to compare what you’ll pay once you know which platform Deuel is using.

The "free video calls" line trips up a lot of families. It's not just about how many minutes you get - it's when they reset. CDCR's comparison lists ViaPath at 15 free minutes per two weeks, while Securus offers 30 free minutes per month. This changes how you might schedule calls. Instead of thinking in two-week chunks, you'd plan around a monthly allotment if you're trying to stretch those free minutes.

1. Confirm which platform Deuel is using right now - once an institution has transitioned, CDCR says families will need to use Securus; if Deuel is still on ViaPath, you’ll keep using ViaPath until the transition happens.
2. Plan around the free‑minutes reset - CDCR’s chart shows 30 free minutes per month under Securus versus 15 free minutes per two weeks under ViaPath, so your best “calendar plan” depends on the provider.
3. Adjust your call rhythm to match the allotment - if you’re trying to avoid extra charges, schedule video time so you actually use the free minutes before they reset on that platform.

Beyond per-minute and per-message pricing, CDCR's chart shows that replacement accessory charges differ by provider. Replacement earbuds run $3.49 with ViaPath versus $5.66 with Securus. Chargers flip the other way: $7.99 with ViaPath, $3.98 with Securus. Over-the-ear headphones are listed as N/A for ViaPath and $7.98 for Securus. These "small" charges add up if a device accessory gets lost or breaks.

• ✓ Replacement earbuds (prices differ by provider)
• ✓ Replacement charger (prices differ by provider)
• ✓ Over‑the‑ear headphones (listed as N/A for ViaPath and priced under Securus in CDCR’s comparison)

To estimate your monthly spending, start with the numbers that hit most families first: the per-minute video rate and the free-minutes allotment. CDCR lists video calls at $0.10/min with Securus versus $0.16/min with ViaPath. Free video calls are 30 minutes per month under Securus versus 15 minutes per two weeks under ViaPath. Plug your usual calling pattern into those figures and you'll get a realistic range. CDCR's stated goal is lower costs for video calls and e-messages, but your actual total depends on how often you call and which provider Deuel is currently using.

1. Verify the provider at Deuel - if Deuel has transitioned, you’ll use Securus going forward; if it hasn’t, you’ll keep using ViaPath until it does.
2. Write down your free‑minutes rule - CDCR’s comparison lists ViaPath at 15 free minutes per two weeks and Securus at 30 free minutes per month.
3. Estimate your paid video minutes - take your typical monthly video minutes and subtract the free minutes you expect to use.
4. Price out video and messages using CDCR’s rates - CDCR lists video calls at $0.10/min (Securus) vs $0.16/min (ViaPath), and e‑messages at $0.03 (Securus) vs $0.05 (ViaPath).
5. Add likely “extras” - if you think you may need a replacement accessory, include the provider’s listed replacement costs when you total everything up.