The Global Tel Link accounts are what is used by prison inmates in some states. This is so they can easily communicate with their family members and friends. How it works is that the account manages prepaid minutes to predetermined phone numbers. However, Global Tel Link is not available in every prison system, there are different users in different providers. As such, you have to conduct research or ask the facility about the communications services that are available.
Areas Covered by GTL – How to Set Up a Global Tel Link Account
Few states have the Global Tel Link service available to serve the penal systems within those states. Since the prisons are often state-managed systems, the telecommunications provider works on contracts from the states. As such, GTL may also have federal contracts, and the service offerings can change depending on the system as well as its current contracts available.
The GTL system is currently available in California, Georgia, Louisiana, Connecticut, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The number of states and institutions is still however subject to change. But information about the service is widely available and often communicated to inmates via the Department of Corrections. If not, a web search will reveal where the Global Tel Link phone systems are currently operating.
The current attention that is focused on for-profit prison systems, where price gouging on phone plans is normal can lead to changes. It can also lead to reforms in the communications processes which is used by correctional institutions.
GTL Account Setup – How to Set Up a Global Tel Link Account
GTL accounts are managed via connectnetwork.com online portal. This online portal is the easiest medium for setting up and managing funds for an inmate. You can use this account to add funds to the inmate’s trust account, which enables inmates to make basic purchases. The inmates are at liberty to use these funds in managing their own phone minutes by purchasing debit plans for phone use directly via the prison.
The best part is that the Global Tel Link account accommodates friends and family who want to purchase phone time via their prepaid plans. With this, it is easy to put time on the account so that inmates can call your line without having to buy minutes from the general trust account. With the Connect Network system, it is possible to access the general account as well as add funds. However, the account is a one-way system, as such, you can only add money or prepay for phone services.
However if you prefer to use a phone system, you can:
- Call the toll-free number at 800-483-8314.
- You can set up the prepaid account and add funds via this phone number.
- However, you need to have the inmate’s name, location, and, sometimes, the inmate ID number to set up the account.
- Since the online portal is often slow, and the website is not always running, as this option is worth pursuing.
Adding Funds – How to Set Up a Global Tel Link Account
Global Tel accounts are all prepaid. Thus, when the minutes run out, the service notifies you directly on the call before cutting off the call. You can also get email alerts from the account about the current balance. Also, you can log in to check the online balance and determine if additional funds are required.
When the account needs a recharge, you can add funds directly via that online account or via the toll-free number. However, you have to bear in mind that the AdvancePay system is specific to your phone number. You will be linking the inmate directly to your number and funding the calls. Note, the inmate cannot use these funds for other phone numbers. So if you intend to add funds for general calls and other needs, you can add them to the trust account via the Connect Network website.