Wabash Valley Tablets: Setting Up GettingOut Accounts, Costs, and What Changes
If your loved one is at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, the tablet upgrade changes a few things on the family side—especially messaging and photos. Here's what to set up now, what won't transfer, and what the pay-as-you-go pricing looks like.
To keep sending pictures and messages after the tablet upgrade, you'll need to create a new account at GettingOut.com. Set it up now - not later. Getting ahead of the rollout means you won't hit a gap where messaging suddenly stops working. Once your loved one receives the new tablet, you can add them as a contact and pick right back up.
These tablets don't connect to the public internet. They run on a separate intranet system - no general web browsing, no Facebook or Twitter, no access to any outside websites. The upgrade isn't about giving open internet access. It's a controlled, secure system, which is why the service platform you use on the outside matters.
Heads up: Photos and emails on the current tablet messaging system will not transfer to the new messaging system. Set up your new GettingOut account in advance so you’re ready to restart messaging and photo sharing as soon as your loved one has the upgraded tablet.
The new tablets use a pay-as-you-go model - certain features are billed based on use instead of being bundled. One example: IDOC lists "Visit Now" (coming soon) at $0.33 per minute. If you're trying to estimate costs, multiply that rate by the time you expect to use. That'll give you a clearer monthly picture.
Messaging has its own pricing. On the new tablets, messages cost $0.50 each. For a lot of families, the easiest way to manage this is setting a simple budget - limit messages to certain days, or send fewer, longer messages instead of lots of short check-ins.
Headphones Ownership
- ✓ The first pair of tablet headphones is provided at no cost.
- ✓ Any additional or replacement headphones must be purchased from the facility commissary.
Even though the tablet is assigned to your loved one, it remains state property. They can be held responsible if it's intentionally lost or damaged. Treat the device and accessories like something that has to last - replacement issues can turn into stress and added costs.
- Create your GettingOut account now - you’ll need a new account to keep sending pictures and messages after the upgrade.
- Assume your old photos/emails won’t carry over - photos and emails on the current system are not transferable to the new messaging system.
- Add your loved one once they have the new tablet - after they receive the upgraded device, you can add them as a contact and resume messaging.
- ✓ If you plan to use “Visit Now” (coming soon), estimate costs using $0.33 per minute.
- ✓ For messaging, plan around $0.50 per message so you’re not surprised by how fast small check-ins add up.
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