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

Why You Cannot Call In

Johnston 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, it goes through. You will not receive a warning or a scheduled time. They call when phone access is available.

Step 1. Set Up an AdvancePay Account

AdvancePay is a prepaid calling account through ConnectNetwork that lets you pay in advance for calls to your number. The person calls your number and the charges come from your AdvancePay balance.

To set up AdvancePay:

1. Go to ConnectNetwork.com and create a free account.
2. Select AdvancePay and find Johnston 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.

Once your number is funded, the person can call from inside. Calls charge at $0.10 per minute against your balance. Each call is capped at 15 minutes.

Step 2. Keep the Balance Funded

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

How Much Calls Cost

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 since rates can change.

Approved Numbers

The person must have your number on their approved call list inside. NC state prisons maintain a list of approved phone numbers for each inmate. If your number is not approved, the call will not go through. Contact the facility at (984) 201-8200 to ask how to add a number if you have trouble receiving calls.

All Calls Are Monitored

Every call from Johnston CI is monitored and recorded. This is standard at NC state prisons. Do not discuss anything sensitive on these calls. Attorney-client calls are handled differently; attorneys should contact the facility directly at (984) 201-8200.

If Calls Are Not Getting Through

A few common reasons calls do not connect:

• Your number is not on the approved call list. Contact the facility at (984) 201-8200.
• 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. Contact your carrier and ask them to lift the block.
• The person is on phone restriction. Contact the facility to confirm their status.

If none of these explain the issue, call ConnectNetwork support at 800-483-8314 for help tracing the problem.

Video Visits Through Getting Out

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

To set up a video visit:

1. Download the Getting Out Visits app or go to GettingOut.com.
2. Create a free account.
3. Search for Johnston Correctional Institution.
4. Schedule and pay for a video session.

Video visits are a good option between approved in-person sessions or when travel is not possible.

Phone Access at a Minimum-Custody Reentry Facility

Johnston CI holds men at minimum custody. Minimum-custody facilities generally have more flexible daily schedules than close or medium custody prisons. Phone access at Johnston CI may be available during broader time windows during the day compared to higher-custody facilities. If calls seem irregular, contact the facility at (984) 201-8200 to ask about the current phone schedule for the housing unit.

As residents progress through reentry programming, their schedules can change. Some men at Johnston CI have work assignments, vocational classes, or community placements that affect when they have phone access. Ask the person directly what times work best for them to call.

Messaging Through ConnectNetwork

ConnectNetwork also offers a messaging service where you can send and receive messages through the platform, similar to email. The person reads and responds through a facility terminal. This is an added way to stay in contact beyond phone and video. Check ConnectNetwork.com for current availability and rates at Johnston CI.