Phone & Video Calls in Maryland (DPSCS)

Maryland’s prison communications — telephone, tablets, and electronic messaging — run through ViaPath (GTL), with accounts set up and managed through ConnectNetwork. Video visits are separate and free, through Microsoft Teams. Specific call rates and account details are set by the vendor and the current contract, so confirm them with ViaPath/ConnectNetwork before relying on a figure.

Phone calls and setting up a ConnectNetwork account

Incarcerated people place outgoing calls; there is no incoming line to a cell or housing unit. Calls are paid for through one of two ConnectNetwork account types:

• AdvancePay — a prepaid account set up and funded by family or friends to receive the incarcerated person’s calls. Funds are deposited online at ConnectNetwork.com or by phone, and the person calls a number on the account using those funds.
• PIN Debit — an account the incarcerated person funds, used to pay for calls the person places. Family can also deposit into this account through ConnectNetwork.

To set up either account, create a ConnectNetwork account, select the Maryland facility, and add the incarcerated person. ConnectNetwork customer service handles account questions. Per-minute call rates are set by the vendor and the current contract — confirm the current rate directly with ViaPath/ConnectNetwork rather than relying on a published figure.

Tablets

Tablets are provided under the same telecom contract as phone service. Where issued, tablets are used for functions such as electronic messaging and paid media, and they connect to the same ViaPath/ConnectNetwork accounts. Tablet availability and what each tablet can do vary by facility — confirm the current setup with the prison where the person is held.

Electronic messaging

Electronic messaging is available through the ViaPath/ConnectNetwork system, sent and received through a ConnectNetwork account and, where issued, the person’s tablet. Messaging is a paid service priced by the vendor; confirm the current cost and how to send messages through ConnectNetwork. Electronic messaging is separate from physical mail.

Video visits through Microsoft Teams

DPSCS offers free video visits through Microsoft Teams, which replaced Skype as the platform. A visitor must be set up for video visiting; once a visit is scheduled, the meeting invitation is sent by email to the address on file.

To join a Teams video visit:

• On a smartphone or tablet, install the free Microsoft Teams app from the device’s app store, then open the meeting link or attached calendar (.ics) file from the email.
• On a computer, no download is required — the meeting can be opened in a web browser from the emailed link.

The device needs a working camera and microphone. Video-visit scheduling, eligibility, and how often visits are offered are handled through the facility and the visiting process — confirm the current details and how to register. For in-person visiting, the visitor list, and the related forms, see Visiting in Maryland.

Verify Before Acting

For the general, nationwide overview of this topic, see the national guide: Staying in Touch.