Tablets and Telephone Calls
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has partnered with, the California Department of Technology (CDT), to enter into a contract with ViaPath Technologies (formerly Global Tel*Link Corporation, or GTL) to enhance communications, technology access, and family connections for the incarcerated population in state prisons.

CDCR knows how important it is for incarcerated people to stay connected with their loved ones. The Department offers ample opportunities for connection through in-person and video visits, letters, electronic messaging, and video and audio calls.

CDCR continues to expand access to new and existing services and innovative rehabilitative opportunities. This six-year contract covers many aspects of communications technology, including providing access to services from tablets and kiosks for the entire incarcerated population.

Beginning January 1, 2023, all telephone audio calls made from an incarcerated person in a California state prison will be free of charge to the incarcerated person and their friends and families.

The enhanced communication project aims to strengthen the bonds between the incarcerated population with their families and communities. Jails and prisons across the US are seeing the benefits of utilizing electronic devices as they provide incarcerated individuals access to rehabilitative program content, important departmental updates, and positive leisure-time activities, such as knowledge-based games and books. These devices also allow these activities to be tracked and monitored for safety and security.

Tablets are provided at no cost to families or incarcerated people, although certain premium features, such as streaming music services, may incur charges. These paid tablet services are funded through the incarcerated individual’s Trust Fund. Family and friends can make deposits to Trust Fund accounts through ConnectNetwork, ViaPath Technologies’ one-stop resource for assisting family and friends in connecting and communicating with their incarcerated loved ones. Learn more about ConnectNetwork and how to get started. (web.connectnetwork.com/get-started-cdcr).
Update: Interim Contract (June 15, 2023)

In accordance with the California Supreme Court ruling, the department has vacated the contract with Viapath Technologies (VPT), as required by the Sacramento County Superior Court. As also permitted by that court’s order, CDCR has entered into an emergency interim contract with ViaPath to keep all existing communication services fully operational until we are able to complete the bid process for a permanent contract for these services.

This means all existing tablet and phone services will be maintained during this interim period, but no additional services will be implemented until the permanent contract is in place. There will be no gap in services during this transition. All adult institutions currently have telephone and tablet services. People housed in any areas in institutions that have not yet received tablets can use kiosks, mail or telephone calls until they receive their tablets.