Setting Up Your Securus Account Before Your Loved One’s Facility Transitions

Geo Western Facility is switching from ViaPath to Securus for communication services. Once the transition happens, you'll need a Securus account to stay connected with your loved one. Here's the backstory: On February 21, 2025, the California Department of Technology awarded CDCR's telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies after a competitive bidding process and a court ruling that vacated the prior ViaPath contract. CDCR has been using an interim agreement with ViaPath to keep services running during the rollout. The goal? Get your Securus account ready before your loved one's facility makes the switch.

1. Create your Securus account - Use the Securus website or the Securus mobile app to open an account.
2. Use that account as your “base” for future services - Even if you don’t need an online account for free phone calls, you’ll need it once video calls and electronic messaging are available after Geo Western transitions.

Want to receive video calls after Geo Western transitions? You'll need AdvanceConnect. This is where you set up and fund prepaid video calls. Timing matters here. Set this up now so you're not scrambling when the switch happens. Once Geo Western moves to Securus, video calling goes through their system - and you'll want to be ready.

• ✓ Open the Securus app and use AdvanceConnect to set up prepaid video calling
• ✓ Add funds to your AdvanceConnect balance so you’re ready to accept video calls after the transition
• ✓ Double-check that your funding setup is complete before the facility change goes live

AdvanceConnect handles funding, but you also need to enable video permissions. Open the Securus app, go to Video Connect, and select "Allow video calls." This single setting authorizes video calling on your end. Without it, you won't be able to connect once Geo Western transitions and video sessions go live through Securus.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Create a Securus account using the website or the Securus mobile app
• ✓ Set up AdvanceConnect in the Securus app if you plan to receive prepaid video calls, and add funds
• ✓ In Video Connect, register and select “Allow video calls”
• ✓ Watch for the official Geo Western transition timing, since you’ll need to use Securus (not ViaPath) once the facility switches