Cheaper Prison Calls UK — How to Cut the Cost

Why Are UK Prison Calls So Expensive?

Prison phone calls in England and Wales are charged by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), not by individual prisons. The rates are set nationally and apply across all public-sector prisons in England and Wales. The pricing model charges different rates depending on the type of number being called.

Historically, prison phone contracts were awarded to private companies who charged extremely high rates — sometimes more than 10p per minute. Following significant criticism and campaigning by prison reform groups, HMPPS negotiated reduced rates through the ITS (Intelligent Telephone System) contract with Unilink. Rates were substantially cut in 2023 and again reviewed in 2025.

The current 2025 HMPPS rates are:

The gap between mobile and landline rates is the key insight. Landline calls cost 55% less per minute than mobile calls on weekdays. One way to reduce prison call costs — give the prisoner a landline number to call instead of a mobile.

The Landline Problem — and How BluePhone Solves It

The obvious fix is simple: give the prisoner a landline number. But most families don't have a landline anymore. Fixed-line subscriptions have been declining for years in the UK. Even those who do have a landline may not be home when calls come, or they might have moved abroad.

BluePhone solves this by giving you a virtual UK landline number — a real 01 or 02 number — that rings through an app on your smartphone. There's no physical phone line involved. You sign up, download the app, and receive calls on your mobile, while the prisoner calls the cheaper landline rate.

From the prison phone system's perspective, the number is a landline. The prisoner dials a UK 01/02 number and is charged the landline rate — 2.48p per minute on weekdays. The call reaches you through the internet, wherever you are.

How Much Can You Actually Save?

The answer depends on call volume and duration. Here's a breakdown across common scenarios:

At this call volume, the call-credit saving is less than the £15 monthly subscription, so the combined cost is higher. Higher call volumes may offset the subscription. Use the calculator to compare your own pattern.

Use the savings calculator to plug in your exact numbers.

Does It Matter Which Prison?

The HMPPS rates above apply to all public-sector prisons in England and Wales using the ITS system. This covers the vast majority of UK prisons. A small number of privately-operated prisons may have different arrangements, though most now use the same ITS contract.

Scotland and Northern Ireland operate separate prison phone systems with different rate structures. BluePhone works as a landline number regardless — the key is whether the Scottish Prison Service or NI Prison Service charges differently for landline vs mobile calls. In most cases, the principle is the same.

Other Ways to Reduce Prison Call Costs

Here are all the options available to families looking to reduce prison call costs:

1. Give the prisoner a UK landline number (BluePhone)

As covered above, this is the most effective single change. Switching from mobile to landline cuts the per-minute rate by 55% on weekdays. The prisoner must request approval for the new number under the prison’s normal checks.

2. Encourage weekend calls where possible

Weekend rates are lower than weekday rates for both mobile and landline numbers. If call schedules allow, planning longer calls at weekends can reduce costs. The saving is more significant for mobile-to-mobile (5.5p → 3.6p) than for landline calls (2.48p → 2.2p), but every bit helps.

3. Keep calls within prison credit limits

Each prison has a cap on how much phone credit a prisoner can spend per week. Understanding these limits and planning calls accordingly helps ensure call credit lasts through the week rather than being exhausted early. Shorter, more frequent calls are sometimes more practical than fewer long ones.

4. Help the prisoner apply for additional credit if eligible

In some circumstances, prisoners can apply for additional phone credit through the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme if they demonstrate good behaviour. Advocacy organisations such as the Prison Reform Trust can provide guidance on this.

5. Apply for the Prison Family Support scheme

Some charities and local authority support schemes can help with phone credit costs for families on low incomes. Organisations like Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust) and Nacro may be able to point you toward available support.

How to Set Up BluePhone

• Sign up at bluephone.co.uk — choose monthly (£15/mo) or yearly (£149/yr)
• Download the BluePhone app on your iPhone
• Receive your UK landline number — emailed to you once activated
• Give the number to your loved one to add to their prison phone list
• Once approved by the prison, all calls come straight to your phone

There's no physical landline required. No contract beyond your monthly subscription. And you can cancel at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any way to get prison calls for free?

Ordinary personal calls generally use the prisoner’s phone credit. Some approved helplines or specific arrangements may be free; check the prison’s guidance. BluePhone is a paid subscription. The only way to reduce costs is to use a number type with a lower per-minute rate (landline over mobile) or to reduce call duration.

Can I give the prisoner a VoIP number?

UK VoIP numbers that carry a UK 01/02 geographic number are billed at landline rates by the prison telephone system. BluePhone numbers are exactly this type of number. Numbers with non-geographic prefixes or international numbers may not be accepted by all prisons.

Will my loved one's credit go further with a landline number?

Yes — significantly. At weekday rates, a £5 credit top-up gives more than double the talk time to a landline (2.48p/min) compared to a mobile (5.5p/min) — about 201 minutes versus 90 minutes for the same credit.

Do I need to tell the prison that the number is a VoIP number?

Your BluePhone number is a UK 01/02 geographic number. Follow the prison’s vetting requirements. Provide accurate information about the service if prison staff request it. The prisoner simply requests the number be added to their list and the prison processes it as a standard landline number.