The Real Cost of Staying Connected at Duffield: Video Visits, Messages, and Voicemail

Remote video visitation at Duffield costs $0.33 per minute. The clock starts the moment the visit connects - not while you're setting it up or waiting in a queue.

Electronic messages cost 50 credits each - about $0.50 per message - regardless of length. For quick updates like "I'm okay" or "call me when you can," messaging can be cheaper than paying by the minute for video.

Voicemail runs $1.00 per message through the inmate telephone system. You'll need a pre-paid account with available funds and the inmate's ID number so the system routes your message correctly.

To leave a voicemail, call 863-400-5993 and follow the prompts. Have the inmate's ID number ready before you dial - you don't want to get stuck mid-call searching for it.

Trying to spend less while staying present? Match the option to what you need. Video visits run $0.33 per minute, billed from the moment you connect. Longer conversations add up quickly - but nothing else feels as real when you need face-to-face time. Electronic messages cost about $0.50 each (50 credits), making them cheaper for short check-ins when you're just sending a sentence or two. Voicemail at $1.00 per message works well when hearing your voice matters, or when you need to explain something clearly without paying minute-by-minute. And don't forget: inmates get two free electronic messages every Saturday. If your loved one can use those to respond - or you time your communication around that day - your weekly costs drop without cutting off contact. All these services run through a pre-paid account. Before a video visit, message session, or voicemail, make sure you have funds loaded so you're not troubleshooting when you finally have time to connect.

• ✓ If you expect a longer conversation, budget for video at $0.33 per minute (billed upon connection).
• ✓ If you only need quick updates, electronic messages at about $0.50 each can be the lower-cost option.
• ✓ If hearing your voice matters, voicemail is $1.00 per message (you’ll need a pre-paid account and the inmate’s ID number).
• ✓ Use the timing advantage: plan around Saturday’s free messages when you can.
• ✓ Make sure your pre-paid account has funds before you try to connect.

Account setup and funding for Duffield's remote video visits and phone services go through Smart Communications. Visit www.smartinmate.com or call 1-888-253-5178 to create an account or add money. That same contact handles questions about communication options, pricing, or service issues.

Quick Facts

• ✓ Remote video visitation: $0.33 per minute (applied upon connection)
• ✓ Electronic messages: 50 credits per sent message (about $0.50)
• ✓ Saturday benefit: inmates receive 2 free electronic messages every Saturday
• ✓ Voicemail: $1.00 per message (requires a pre-paid account and the inmate’s ID number)
• ✓ Voicemail number: 863-400-5993 (follow prompts)
• ✓ Account setup/funding/support: www.smartinmate.com or 1-888-253-5178