Phone Calls from Reception Diagnostic Center: Collect, Prepaid, or Debit?
Phone calls from Reception Diagnostic Center come in three flavors: collect calls, AdvancePay (prepaid collect), and PIN Debit. Understanding how each works makes it easier to choose the right option for your situation.
Reception Diagnostic Center offers three calling options: Collect, AdvancePay (prepaid collect), and PIN Debit. Collect calls bill the person who answers. AdvancePay works similarly, but you fund an account ahead of time - calls to that number draw from your prepaid balance instead of billing as collect. PIN Debit flips the model: the incarcerated person uses minutes they've purchased (or that you've added) to call approved numbers.
Collect calls bill the person who accepts them, but there are restrictions. They can't go to cell phones, office phones, or hospital numbers. If your cell is the only number you can reliably answer, AdvancePay or PIN Debit will work better for you.
AdvancePay (prepaid collect) is a way for you to put money into a calling account that’s tied to one specific deposited phone number. When the incarcerated person calls that number and you accept, the cost comes out of the AdvancePay balance.
- Decide which phone number you want to fund - AdvancePay is linked to a single deposited phone number, so choose the number you’ll actually be answering.
- Set up the AdvancePay account - Use ConnectNetwork.com or call 800.483.8314.
- Check costs inside your account before you load money - AdvancePay rates and fees are set by the correctional facility and are published in your ConnectNetwork account.
- Add funds when you need to - You can also add money by phone using the AdvancePay toll-free number: (800) 483-8314.
PIN Debit puts the incarcerated person in control of their phone balance. They purchase minutes through commissary and use them to call approved numbers. Want to help cover calls? You can add minutes to their PIN Debit account through ConnectNetwork.
PIN Debit rates vary by facility - you can find the exact pricing in your ConnectNetwork account. To add money by phone, call (855) 706-2445.
Telephone list limit: The incarcerated person must complete and sign a Telephone List with up to 20 names and phone numbers. Even if multiple people share the same number, each person counts toward the 20-name cap.
- ✓ Ask whether you’re on the incarcerated person’s signed Telephone List before you expect calls.
- ✓ If you’re using AdvancePay, confirm the deposited phone number is the one you actually answer (since the prepaid account is tied to that number).
- ✓ Use ConnectNetwork to set up accounts and add funds as needed (AdvancePay setup can also be done by phone at 800.483.8314).
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