Cheaper calls from prison
Cheaper prison calls. More minutes for every call home.
A prison phone charges around 13p a minute to call a mobile - but only about 3p to call a landline. Our landline number simply rings your mobile, so their credit goes roughly four times as far. No app, no Wi-Fi, no monthly fee - £4.50 once, not per month.
Rated on Trustpilot · A UK company · £5 credit included · No monthly fee
£5 of their prison phone credit buys…
How much do phone calls from prison cost?
Prisoners pay for calls from their own phone credit, using a PIN on the wing or in-cell phone. The rate depends on the type of number dialled: calls from prison to a UK mobile cost around 13p a minute, calls to a UK landline about 3p, and calls to 0800 numbers a maximum of 10p per call - where the prison accepts them. Rates are set by the prison phone provider, vary slightly by establishment, and are approximate. Because our number is a real UK landline that diverts to your mobile, every call home is charged at the cheap landline rate - with no app to install and no Wi-Fi needed on your side.
Pick the number for their PIN list.
Both forward calls to your UK mobile and run on pay-as-you-go credit. Nothing to install, live in minutes.
UK landline number
The most widely accepted option on prison PIN lists - their calls are charged at the cheap landline rate of about 3p a minute.
0800 / 0808 number
Where the prison accepts freephone numbers, a call costs them 10p at most - however long you talk. Best for long calls, if you know it's allowed.
Not sure what the prison accepts? Take the landline - it's the safe first choice - and test with the included credit before topping up. Already a customer? Log in.
How cheaper calls from prison work.
Choose your number
Landline or 0800. £4.50 setup with £5 of call credit included - your number is live straight away.
They add it to their PIN list
Give them the new number so they can request it on their approved list. The prison controls approval, and timing varies.
They call it - your mobile rings
Once approved, they dial it like any other number. The call forwards to your UK mobile; your credit covers the small divert charge.
Top up once it works
After the first successful call, add credit whenever you need. No monthly fee, no contract, stop any time.
Spend nothing more until it works.
Use the included £5 first. Get the number approved on the PIN list, make sure the first call connects - then top up. We'd rather earn your trust than your money.
Prison call questions, answered.
Why is this cheaper than them calling my mobile?
Prison phones charge by the type of number dialled - around 13p a minute to mobiles, but only about 3p to landlines. Our number is a landline that forwards to your mobile, so their credit goes roughly four times as far. On 0800 numbers, where accepted, a call costs them 10p at most however long it lasts.
What does it cost to start?
£4.50 one-off setup, with £5 of call credit included - 100 minutes on the landline option. No monthly fee, no contract.
How much do calls cost me?
5p per minute on the landline, 8p per minute on 0800 / 0808, taken from your pay-as-you-go credit when a call diverts to your mobile.
Do they need to add the number to their PIN list?
Yes. They request the new number on their approved list inside the prison. The prison controls approval, so allow time before expecting calls.
How do phone calls from prison work?
Each prisoner has a PIN and a list of approved phone numbers. They add credit to their phone account, dial an approved number from the wing or in-cell phone, and the per-minute cost comes off that credit. Your VirtualLandline number just needs to be on that approved list - then every call to it is charged at the cheaper landline rate.
Landline or 0800 - which should I choose?
If unsure, the landline: it's the most widely accepted. Choose 0800 if you know the prison allows freephone numbers - then a call costs them 10p at most, which is unbeatable for long conversations.
Does this work with any UK prison?
Yes - it works with any UK prison that approves the number on the prisoner's PIN list. UK landline numbers are the most widely approved; 0800 and 0808 acceptance varies by establishment, which is why we suggest testing with the included credit first.
Should I top up straight away?
No - use the included £5 first. Confirm the number is approved and the call connects, then add credit as needed.
Do I need an app, Wi-Fi or mobile data?
No. Unlike app-based services, calls divert to your actual UK mobile number over the normal phone network. Nothing to download, no data connection needed, and it works anywhere your phone has signal.
Are you part of the prison service?
No. VirtualLandline.com is a private service run by Freedom Telephony Limited. We are not part of HMPPS, the prison service, or the government.
How do I contact support?
Call 0161 706 3232, 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm, or email support@virtuallandline.com.
Be ready for the next call home.
£4.50 setup, £5 credit included, live in minutes. Start with the landline if you're unsure - and test before you top up.