Calls go through ViaPath/GTL at $0.10 per minute. Set up AdvancePay at connectnetwork.com.
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Phone calls from Columbus Correctional Institution go through ViaPath/GTL, operating through the ConnectNetwork platform. The rate is $0.10 per minute with a 15-minute maximum per call. Calls are outbound only: the person at Columbus CI calls you. Set up an AdvancePay account at connectnetwork.com or call 800-483-8314 so calls connect when they come in. All calls are monitored and recorded. Video visits are also available through the GettingOut app.
Calls from Columbus Correctional Institution are outbound only. The person inside dials out to you. You cannot call the facility and ask to speak with someone. When a call comes in, you will see a prompt asking whether to accept it. If your AdvancePay account has funds, the call connects.
The rate is $0.10 per minute. Each call is capped at 15 minutes. When 15 minutes is up, the call ends automatically. The person can call again, but a new call starts and billing restarts from zero.
All calls are monitored and recorded. Do not discuss anything on a call that you would not say in front of law enforcement.
AdvancePay is the prepaid account that funds incoming calls. Without it, calls from Columbus CI may not connect.
Once funds are loaded, calls from Columbus CI will connect automatically when you accept them.
If you prefer not to use AdvancePay, PIN Debit is another option. With PIN Debit, the person uses their own account balance (commissary funds) to pay for calls. The per-minute rate still applies. This is useful if you want the person to manage their own call spending. See the send money guide for how to put money on their account.
Video visits are available through the GettingOut app. GettingOut is a ViaPath/GTL service available at GettingOut.com or from your device’s app store.
To set up video visits:
Video visits are a practical option if you live far from Whiteville or want a mid-week check-in. The person can use a tablet inside the facility for video visits. Not all visits are on-demand; check the GettingOut app for availability.
The person at Columbus CI can only call numbers that have been pre-approved and added to their call list. If your number changes or needs to be added, the person must request the update through the facility. Calls to unapproved numbers will not go through.
For international calls, contact ViaPath at 1-888-216-7423. International rates differ from domestic rates and depend on the country.
If calls from Columbus CI are not connecting, check these first:
If the issue continues, call ConnectNetwork support at 800-483-8314.
Every call through ViaPath at Columbus CI is subject to monitoring and recording by NC DAC. Calls with attorneys may have different rules, but family and personal calls are routinely recorded. This is standard at all NC state prisons.
6 of 12 questions
Set up an AdvancePay account at connectnetwork.com or call 800-483-8314. Calls are outbound only: the person at Columbus CI calls you. Accept the call when it comes in and it will connect if your account has funds.
Phone Calls$0.10 per minute with a 15-minute maximum per call. At 15 minutes, the call ends automatically.
Phone CallsNo. Calls are outbound only. The person inside calls you. You cannot call the facility and ask to speak with an inmate.
Phone CallsAdvancePay is a prepaid account that funds incoming calls. Go to connectnetwork.com to create an account and add funds, or call 800-483-8314. A service fee applies when you add money.
Phone CallsPIN Debit lets the person use their own commissary funds to pay for calls instead of charging your AdvancePay account. The same per-minute rate applies.
Phone CallsYes. Download the GettingOut app or go to GettingOut.com. Create a free account, search for Columbus CI, add funds, and schedule a visit or request on-demand access if the person has a tablet.
Phone CallsYes. All personal calls through ViaPath at Columbus CI are monitored and recorded by NC DAC. This is standard at all NC state prisons.
Phone CallsCalls to unapproved numbers will not connect. The person must request to add your number through the facility. Contact Columbus CI at (910) 642-3285 for guidance on the process.
Phone CallsFor international calls, contact ViaPath at 1-888-216-7423. International rates differ from domestic rates.
Phone CallsCheck that your AdvancePay account has funds, your number is on the approved call list, and you are not accidentally rejecting the call. If still not working, call ConnectNetwork at 800-483-8314.
Phone CallsGo to connectnetwork.com and log into your account, or call 800-483-8314. A service fee applies. Make sure you are adding to AdvancePay specifically, not the trust fund.
Phone CallsVideo visits through GettingOut provide a visual connection. For text-based messaging, check whether the facility's tablet system includes a messaging option through GettingOut or ConnectNetwork.
Phone CallsFund their commissary or AdvancePay so calls can happen.
View ArticleBook an in-person or video visit. Appointments required.
View ArticleConfirm they are still at Columbus before setting up AdvancePay.
View ArticleSend letters through TextBehind to stay in touch between calls.
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 7, 2026.