How to Fund Phone Calls and Manage an Account for Someone at ECI (AdvancePay, PIN Debit, ConnectNetwork)
Setting up phone funds at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) comes down to two things: picking the right account type and using the right portal to add money. Here's how the main options work and what to watch for when making deposits.
Maryland DPSCS facilities use ConnectNetwork (GTL/ViaPath) as the official portal for deposits and account management. If you want to receive calls from someone at ECI, DPSCS recommends setting up an AdvancePay prepaid telephone account - a prepaid balance tied to your phone number that calls draw from automatically.
Note: Fees may apply to all deposit methods, and the specific terms are shown when you make a deposit.
AdvancePay is the prepaid option DPSCS recommends for accepting calls. It works like this: you add money to a prepaid account linked to your phone number. When your loved one calls, the cost gets deducted from that balance.
- ✓ Use the phone number you actually want to receive calls on when you set up and fund the prepaid account.
- ✓ Keep an eye on your balance so calls don’t cut off mid-conversation.
- ✓ If you’re managing more than one account type, remember ConnectNetwork is the authorized portal DPSCS uses for deposits and account management.
ConnectNetwork is GTL/ViaPath's official deposit and account management portal for DPSCS facilities. Need to add funds or check phone/debit account activity? This is where DPSCS directs families to handle those transactions.
A PIN/debit-style deposit works differently than AdvancePay. Instead of prepaying calls to your phone number, you're funding the incarcerated person's phone/debit account directly. Both options run through ConnectNetwork for DPSCS facilities.
Watch for fees: Fees may apply to all deposit methods, and the exact terms are provided during the deposit process.
Before you hit submit, read what's on the screen. ConnectNetwork displays the terms and any fees right there during the deposit process.
Practical Steps
- ✓ Your phone number (if you’re setting up or funding an AdvancePay prepaid telephone account)
- ✓ Your loved one’s name and identifying information needed by the deposit portal (for phone/debit account deposits)
- ✓ A plan for which account you’re funding (AdvancePay tied to your phone number vs. deposits managed through ConnectNetwork)
Not sure you're in the right place? Verify before you pay. ConnectNetwork is the official portal DPSCS uses for deposits and account management. The deposit flow shows current payment options, fees, and terms.
If you're unsure which option works best for someone at ECI - or you keep running into problems - call the facility directly. Ask what account setup they expect for phone funding. Eastern Correctional Institution's number is 410-845-4000, and the mailing address is 30420 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21890. For visitation scheduling (a separate process), DPSCS lists ECI's in-person visit request email as ECI.InmateVisitation@maryland.gov.
For portal-specific questions - deposit screens, account management, or checkout terms - start with ConnectNetwork, the portal DPSCS uses for deposits and phone/debit account management.
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