ConnectNetwork
ConnectNetwork by GTL ViaPath: How to Set Up AdvancePay, PIN Debit and Receive Calls
- 50+
- States Covered
- 1,800+
- Facilities Supported
- 4 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
ConnectNetwork Inmate Communication Overview
What is ConnectNetwork and what is it used for? ConnectNetwork is the consumer platform operated by GTL, now known as ViaPath Technologies. ConnectNetwork is used to receive phone calls from incarcerated loved ones at state prisons and county jails, schedule video visits, send electronic messages, and deposit money to inmate accounts. ConnectNetwork serves over 1,800 facilities across the United States. Create a free account at connectnetwork.com. Customer service is available at 877-650-4249. The AdvancePay customer service line is 800-483-8314.
What is the difference between AdvancePay and PIN Debit on ConnectNetwork? AdvancePay is a prepaid account linked to your phone number that you fund in advance. When the inmate calls your registered number, the cost is deducted from your AdvancePay balance. PIN Debit is an account owned by the incarcerated person. Family members deposit money into the PIN Debit account and the inmate uses those funds to call any approved number on their list. AdvancePay calls can only come to your registered number. PIN Debit calls can go to any approved number on the inmate's list. Both account types can be managed at connectnetwork.com.
Why are ConnectNetwork GTL calls showing as spam on my phone? GTL uses specific outgoing phone numbers that vary by facility. These numbers are often flagged as spam or robo calls by mobile carriers. To fix this, save the specific GTL outgoing number for your loved one's facility in your contacts. You can also contact your mobile carrier and ask them to whitelist the number. Call GTL customer service at 877-650-4249 for the specific outgoing number for your facility.
What is ConnectNetwork Debit Link? Debit Link is GTL ViaPath's digital currency for tablet-based services at facilities they serve. One dollar buys 100 Debit Link units at $0.01 per unit. Debit Link funds are used for tablet entertainment including streaming music, games, and ebooks. Debit Link is separate from phone account credits and commissary funds. Debit Link purchases are final and nonrefundable. Contact ConnectNetwork at 877-650-4249 for Debit Link questions.
ConnectNetwork Services
Communication services offered by ConnectNetwork and what each one includes.
Messaging
Electronic messaging available at select facilities through GTL's messaging platform.
Messaging availability varies by facility. Not all ConnectNetwork facilities offer electronic messaging.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule remote video visits through your ConnectNetwork account. Available at participating facilities.
Requires a device with camera. Must schedule in advance. Walk-in video visits are not available.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Photo sharing is not available through ConnectNetwork.
For digital photo services, consider JPay or TextBehind if available at the facility.
Phone Calls
Fund an AdvancePay account linked to your phone number to receive inmate-initiated calls. Rates vary by facility contract.
Rates are regulated by the FCC for interstate calls. In-state rates may vary.
Set Up Phone CallsMoney Transfer
Send funds to inmate trust accounts via debit card, credit card, or Western Union.
Processing fees apply. Funds typically credited within one to two business days.
Set Up Money TransferConnectNetwork Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
All 50 states, including federal BOP facilities
Coverage Notes
ConnectNetwork/GTL is one of the few providers serving federal Bureau of Prisons facilities in addition to state and county institutions. Coverage for specific services (phone, video, messaging) varies by individual facility contract.
Facilities Served by ConnectNetwork
Sample correctional facilities where this provider operates. Full coverage list available on the provider's website.
ConnectNetwork Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
ConnectNetwork Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Phone Calls
- Interstate rates regulated. In-state rates may vary by contract.
- $0.14–$0.25/min
- Video Visit
- Session pricing varies by facility.
- $0.49/min or flat
- Money Transfer Fee
- Depends on transfer amount and payment method.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the ConnectNetwork website before use.
ConnectNetwork — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of ConnectNetwork.
Strengths
- Widest facility coverage, serving all 50 states including federal BOP institutions.
- Single account can cover phone, video, and money transfer at many facilities.
- Regulated interstate calling rates provide some cost protection.
- Mobile app consolidates account management across services.
- Long-established platform with proven reliability at thousands of facilities.
Limitations
- Photo sharing not available through ConnectNetwork.
- Messaging availability varies widely by facility and is not universally offered.
- In-state calling rates can be significantly higher than interstate rates.
- User interface can feel dated compared to newer platforms.
- Customer service quality varies depending on facility type and location.
Frequently Asked Questions: ConnectNetwork
Common questions from families about using ConnectNetwork.
- What is ConnectNetwork?
- ConnectNetwork is the consumer platform operated by GTL ViaPath Technologies for families of incarcerated people. It handles phone calls, video visits, electronic messaging, and money deposits at over 1,800 facilities. Create a free account at connectnetwork.com. Customer service is at 877-650-4249.
- How do I set up a ConnectNetwork account?
- Go to connectnetwork.com and click Create Account. Enter your name, email, and create a password. Confirm your age. After email verification, log in and go to My Facilities to add the facility. Then go to My Inmates and search for the incarcerated person by name or DOC number. Add them to your account and then fund an AdvancePay or PIN Debit account to begin receiving calls.
- What is the difference between AdvancePay and PIN Debit?
- AdvancePay is your account tied to your phone number. You deposit money and when the inmate calls your registered number the cost is deducted from your balance. PIN Debit is the inmate's account. You deposit money for the inmate and they can call any approved number on their list using those funds. AdvancePay is simpler for families. PIN Debit gives the inmate more flexibility. Both are managed at connectnetwork.com.
- What is the ConnectNetwork customer service number?
- ConnectNetwork GTL customer service is available at 877-650-4249. For AdvancePay account deposits and support call 800-483-8314. For Debit Link tablet service questions call 877-650-4249. Customer service hours are generally Monday through Friday 7am to 11pm Central and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 7pm Central.
- Why are GTL ConnectNetwork calls showing as spam?
- GTL uses specific outgoing phone numbers that vary by facility. Mobile carriers often flag these as spam or robo calls. Save the specific GTL outgoing number for your facility in your contacts. Contact your mobile carrier to whitelist the number. Call GTL at 877-650-4249 to get the correct outgoing number for your specific facility.
- Is ConnectNetwork the same as GTL?
- ConnectNetwork is the consumer-facing platform operated by GTL, now known as ViaPath Technologies. GTL is the company. ConnectNetwork is the website and app families use to manage accounts. GettingOut is another GTL platform for county jails operated through their Telmate subsidiary. All three refer to services under the same ViaPath Technologies parent company.
- Does ConnectNetwork have a mobile app?
- Yes. The ConnectNetwork mobile app is available for iOS and Android. Search for ConnectNetwork in the App Store or Google Play. The app provides access to deposits, account management, and messaging services from your smartphone. It works just like the connectnetwork.com dashboard.
- What is Debit Link on ConnectNetwork?
- Debit Link is GTL ViaPath's digital currency for tablet services. One dollar buys 100 Debit Link units at $0.01 per unit. Inmates use Debit Link for streaming music, games, and ebooks on their facility tablets. Debit Link is separate from phone credits and commissary. Debit Link purchases are nonrefundable. Effective June 1, 2026, AdvancePay accounts inactive for 180 days will expire. Contact ConnectNetwork at 877-650-4249 for details.
- How do I deposit money through ConnectNetwork?
- Log in to connectnetwork.com and go to the deposit section. Select AdvancePay for your phone account or PIN Debit for the inmate account. ConnectNetwork accepts Visa and Mastercard including debit cards. You can also call 800-483-8314 for phone deposits. Deposits are processed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- What states use ConnectNetwork GTL?
- ConnectNetwork GTL serves over 1,800 facilities across 50 states including Ohio DOC state prisons, Illinois DOC through ICSolutions which is a GTL subsidiary, Washington state prisons, Tennessee state prisons, and many county jails nationwide. New Jersey is transitioning from JPay to ViaPath ConnectNetwork in 2025 and 2026. Check your specific facility to confirm whether ConnectNetwork is the active provider.
- What happens to my AdvancePay balance if I stop using it?
- Effective June 1, 2026, ConnectNetwork AdvancePay accounts inactive for 180 consecutive days will expire. If you opt in to notifications, GTL will send a text or email reminder 30 days before expiration. After the account expires you have an additional 90 days to request a refund. After that the balance is converted to free calling minutes in ViaPath's free calling program. Contact GTL at 877-650-4249 to request a refund.
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View GuideGet Started with ConnectNetwork
Visit the official ConnectNetwork website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.