Eastern CI Phone Calls. ViaPath Rates, AdvancePay Setup, and Video Visits

Why You Cannot Call In

Eastern CI does not have a direct-dial line that rings through to inmates. The person inside initiates all calls using the facility phone system. Your job is to make sure your phone number is set up and funded so when they call, the call connects. You will not get a warning or a set schedule. They call when they have access to the phones.

Step 1. Set Up an AdvancePay Account

AdvancePay is a prepaid calling account through ConnectNetwork. You fund the account with your payment card, and when the person calls your number, the charges come from your AdvancePay balance at $0.10 per minute.

To set up AdvancePay:

1. Go to ConnectNetwork.com and create a free account.
2. Select AdvancePay and find Eastern Correctional Institution.
3. Add your phone number.
4. Fund the account with a debit or credit card.

You can also set up AdvancePay by calling 800-483-8314.

Step 2. Keep the Balance Funded

Calls will not connect if your AdvancePay balance hits zero. Set up auto-refill through ConnectNetwork.com so the account reloads when the balance drops below a set amount. This prevents dropped calls because of a zero balance.

Call Costs

Item	Rate
Per minute rate	$0.10
Call length limit	15 minutes per call
Maximum cost per call	$1.50 (15 min x $0.10)

These rates apply to calls billed to an AdvancePay account. Check ConnectNetwork.com for the most current rate details, as rates can change.

Approved Numbers

Not every phone number automatically receives calls from Eastern CI. NC state prisons maintain an approved call list for each inmate. If your number is not on that list, calls will not go through. The person inside can request to add numbers. If you have trouble receiving calls, contact the facility at (252) 653-5774 to ask how to add your number.

All Calls Are Monitored

Every call from Eastern CI is monitored and recorded by the facility. This is standard at NC state prisons and is more strictly enforced at close-custody facilities. Do not discuss anything sensitive on these calls. Attorney-client calls are handled differently. If there is a legal matter, the attorney should contact the facility directly to arrange a confidential call.

Phone Access at a Close-Custody Facility

Eastern CI is a close-custody facility. Phone access schedules are more structured here than at medium or minimum custody prisons. Inmates have set phone times based on their housing unit and daily schedule. Inmates in the restricted housing unit may have more limited or reduced phone access.

If the person seems to be calling less than expected, contact the facility at (252) 653-5774 to ask about current phone access for their unit. Access can also change if the facility goes on lockdown or the individual is placed on phone restriction.

If Calls Are Not Getting Through

Common reasons a call does not connect:

• Your number is not on the approved call list. Contact the facility at (252) 653-5774.
• Your AdvancePay balance is zero. Log in at ConnectNetwork.com to refill.
• Your phone carrier is blocking calls from correctional facilities. Some carriers do this by default. Call your carrier and ask them to remove the block.
• The person is on phone restriction. Contact the facility to find out their current status.

If you have checked all of these and calls still do not work, call ConnectNetwork support or 800-483-8314.

Video Visits Through Getting Out

Eastern CI offers video visits through the Getting Out Visits app, which runs through the same ViaPath/GTL network. You can do a video visit from your phone, tablet, or computer without traveling to Maury.

To set up a video visit:

1. Visit sso.gtlconnect.com or download the Getting Out Visits app.
2. Create a free account.
3. Search for Eastern Correctional Institution.
4. Schedule and pay for a video session.

You must be on the approved visitor list to schedule a video visit. Video visits do not replace in-person visits but are a good option between contact sessions or when travel is not possible.

Messaging Through ConnectNetwork

ConnectNetwork also offers a digital messaging service where you can send and receive text-style messages through the platform. The person inside reads and responds through a facility terminal. This is another way to stay in contact between calls. Check ConnectNetwork.com for current availability and rates at Eastern CI.

What to Do if a Call Gets Dropped

Dropped calls can happen because of connection issues or if the call time runs out. If a call drops unexpectedly, contact ConnectNetwork support through the website or call 800-483-8314. Keep a record of the call time and date if you think the drop was a technical issue. Some dropped calls because of system errors may be eligible for a credit.