Do you need discount phone service if local
I don't understand how the discount telephone service works as I'm in the same city already as my sister(inmate). please explain.
Juanita Vega
If you are already in the same city as your sister and your number is considered local to the jail, then the discount phone service likely will not benefit you.
1
If you are already in the same city as your sister and your number is considered local to the jail, then the discount phone service likely will not benefit you.
Here is why:
- Jails contract with a single phone provider for all inmate calls
- That provider charges different rates for local vs long distance calls
- The discount service works by giving you a local number to reduce long distance costs
In your case:
- If your number is already local, your sister is already calling you at the lowest available rate
- There is no long distance charge to reduce, so there is no savings to gain
When the service helps:
- When you live in a different city or state
- When calls are being charged as long distance
- When switching to a local number can significantly lower the cost
Bottom line:
If your number is already local to the facility, you are already getting the best possible rate, and you would not need the service.
https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/do-you-need-discount-phone-service-if-local#answer
Accepted Answer Date Created: August 30,2014
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About this answer:
This response was prepared by InmateAid’s editorial team in consultation with former inmates who have direct experience with the federal correctional system. InmateAid has served families of the incarcerated since 2012. This is general information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed April 2026.