Penmate Inmate Support Guides

What You Need to Know About Tablets and Link Units for People at SCI Mahanoy

If your loved one is at SCI Mahanoy and wants a tablet or needs more link units, here's the key thing: tablets are DOC-approved and purchased by the inmate through commissary. Family support typically means sending funds to cover the cost.

• 2 min read • pa.gov
What You Need to Know About Tablets and Link Units for People at SCI Mahanoy

People incarcerated at SCI Mahanoy may purchase Pennsylvania DOC-approved tablets through ViaPath Technologies. These are the tablets used inside the facility, with DOC-approved apps and settings.

Here's the catch: the inmate has to place the order themselves. Tablets can only be ordered through the DOC commissary system - you can't buy one directly or place the order from outside.

What you *can* do is fund the purchase. If you want your loved one to buy a tablet or other tablet-related items, send money to their account so they can pay through commissary. You'll need a JPay account to transfer funds.

Link units, in plain language: A link unit is equal to one penny. Inmates can use link units to buy songs, send email messages, play games, and purchase DOC-approved items through commissary orders.

After release, the tablet stays with the person. But to keep it from locking up, they'll need to send it to ViaPath Technologies once they're home. ViaPath removes the tablet's mortality timer so it keeps working.

Once ViaPath receives the tablet, they'll load software that enables WiFi and camera functions.

What You Need to Know About Tablets and Link Units for People at SCI Mahanoy

Practical Tips and Contacts

  • ✓ Call ViaPath Technologies support at 877-650-4249 if you have questions about DOC tablets for someone at SCI Mahanoy.
  • ✓ Have your loved one’s identifying information ready before you call so support can help faster.
  • ✓ If your goal is a tablet or link units, focus on sending funds to the inmate (the inmate places the commissary order).

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