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Phone Calls at Lake Erie Correctional Institution

Lake Erie CI uses GTL/ViaPath through ConnectNetwork. Set up your account at connectnetwork.com and register your number before the first call.

Overview

Lake Erie Correctional Institution uses GTL/ViaPath, managed through the ConnectNetwork platform, for all inmate phone calls. To receive calls, you need a ConnectNetwork account with your phone number registered and funds available. Your loved one initiates every call from inside the facility. You cannot call in. All calls are recorded and monitored. As of April 2026, FCC rate caps limit calls from state prisons to $0.11 per minute. Commissary deposits and phone credits are separate accounts.

Quick Facts

Phone provider: GTL/ViaPath (ConnectNetwork). Website: connectnetwork.com.
Create a ConnectNetwork account and register your phone number before expecting calls.
Your loved one initiates all calls from inside the facility. You cannot call in.
All calls are recorded and monitored.
FCC rate caps as of April 2026 limit state prison calls to $0.11 per minute.
Phone account funding is separate from commissary deposits (OffenderConnect).
Questions: call Lake Erie CI at (440) 599-4100 or GTL customer service at 800-231-0193.

How Phone Calls Work at Lake Erie CI

GTL/ViaPath through ConnectNetwork handles all inmate calls at Lake Erie CI. Your loved one dials out from a facility phone during approved hours, and the call routes to your registered number. You cannot call into the facility.

All calls are recorded and monitored. Legal calls to attorneys may qualify for a separate confidential call process. The inmate should speak with their unit team or case manager about privileged call procedures.

Step 1: Create a ConnectNetwork Account

Go to connectnetwork.com and create an account. You’ll need:

Your full name and address
The phone number you want to receive calls on
A payment method to fund the account

You can also call GTL customer service at 800-231-0193 for help setting up an account.

Step 2: Register Your Phone Number

After creating your account, add the phone number your loved one will call. This must be done before any call can connect. If your number isn’t registered, the call won’t go through.

Mobile and landline numbers are both accepted. ConnectNetwork may restrict VoIP numbers. Check their FAQ or call support if you use a VoIP service.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

ConnectNetwork uses a prepaid model. Load funds into your account, and charges are deducted as calls come through. Auto-replenish is available to keep your account funded automatically.

As of April 2026, FCC rate caps limit calls from state prisons to $0.11 per minute. A 30-minute call from Lake Erie CI costs no more than $3.30 before applicable fees. Log into your ConnectNetwork account to see current pricing for calls from this facility.

Phone Account vs. Commissary Account

A common point of confusion: OffenderConnect deposits (for commissary) and ConnectNetwork phone credits are separate accounts. Funding one does not carry over to the other.

Commissary deposits: go to offenderconnect.com. See the Send Money guide.
Phone credits: go to your ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com.

Troubleshooting Missed Calls

If calls aren’t connecting:

Confirm your number is registered in your ConnectNetwork account.
Confirm your account has a positive balance.
Check whether your carrier blocks calls from correctional facilities (some prepaid and VoIP carriers do).
Log into connectnetwork.com and check for account alerts or service outages.

If calls were connecting before and have stopped, call GTL at 800-231-0193 or Lake Erie CI at (440) 599-4100 to check for account restrictions or facility-side issues.

Families Also Ask

6 of 8 questions

What phone system does Lake Erie CI use?

GTL/ViaPath, managed through ConnectNetwork. Create an account at connectnetwork.com, register your phone number, and fund the account before expecting calls.

Phone Calls

How do I receive a phone call from Lake Erie CI?

Create a ConnectNetwork account at connectnetwork.com, register your number, and add funds. Your loved one initiates calls from a facility phone. You cannot call in.

Phone Calls

How much do calls from Lake Erie CI cost?

As of April 2026, FCC rate caps limit state prison calls to $0.11 per minute. A 30-minute call costs no more than $3.30 before fees. Log into your ConnectNetwork account to see current pricing.

Phone Calls

Are calls from Lake Erie CI recorded?

Yes. All non-privileged calls are recorded and monitored. Legal calls to attorneys may have a separate confidential process. The inmate should ask their case manager.

Phone Calls

Does sending commissary money pay for phone calls?

No. OffenderConnect deposits go into the inmate's trust account for commissary. Your ConnectNetwork phone account is separate and must be funded independently.

Phone Calls

Why isn't my call connecting from Lake Erie CI?

Most likely causes: your number isn't registered in ConnectNetwork, your account balance is low, or your carrier blocks correctional facility calls. Check connectnetwork.com, then call GTL at 800-231-0193 or Lake Erie CI at (440) 599-4100.

Phone Calls