How Much Phone Calls Really Cost from Frederick County Detention Center
Trying to budget for calls from Frederick County Detention Center? Two things matter most: how calls get billed and the per-minute rate for your call type. Here's what the facility publishes, plus a few ways to keep costs down.
At Frederick County Detention Center, all inmate phone calls are outgoing collect calls. Your loved one places the call, but you accept the charges on your end. Phones are on daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Missing calls? It's usually a timing issue. Try to be available during that window so you don't end up playing voicemail tag.
Frederick County Detention Center bills phone calls per minute based on destination. Local calls run $0.07 per minute. In-state and out-of-state calls are both $0.14 per minute. International rates jump higher. Calls to Mexico cost $0.50 per minute, while other international destinations are $0.75 per minute. Not sure which category your number falls under? Assume international pricing until Pay Tel confirms the exact rate.
Cost comparison: On-site video visits at the Detention Center are free one time per week. Remote video visits (from home or a cell phone) cost $0.30 per minute.
- Decide if you want prepaid - Calls are collect-only, but a prepaid account can make it easier to accept and manage charges.
- Call Pay Tel to set it up - Use 1-800-729-8355 and ask to create a prepaid account for calls from Frederick County Detention Center.
- Or email Pay Tel instead - Send your request to CSR@paytel.com and include the phone number you want to use for receiving calls.
Privacy reminder: All calls (and visits) are subject to monitoring and recording. Keep conversations focused on family updates and avoid discussing anything sensitive or legally privileged.
Tips Reduce Cost
- ✓ If you’re local, aim for local calls when possible ($0.07/min) instead of higher-rate categories.
- ✓ Keep a running list of updates and questions so you can cover more in fewer minutes (in-state and out-of-state are $0.14/min).
- ✓ If you’re calling internationally, plan shorter check-ins - Mexico is $0.50/min and other international calls are $0.75/min.
- ✓ Be ready to answer during call hours (6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) so you don’t miss attempts and end up playing phone tag.
- ✓ For longer conversations, compare options: one on-site video visit per week is free, while remote video visits cost $0.30/min - sometimes video is worth it, sometimes a shorter phone call is cheaper.
Phone calls aren't your only option. Frederick County Detention Center also offers text messaging at $0.25 per message. Video visitation runs through PayTel Connect. You get one free on-site video visit at the Detention Center each week. Remote video visits from home or a cell phone cost $0.30 per minute.
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