Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
What is the cheapest engine number service for prison calls in Australia?
The most affordable engine number services in Australia start from $6.50 per week for unlimited calls, with inmates paying only $0.25-$0.40 per call, significantly reducing costs compared to standard prison phone rates.
How much do prisoners typically pay for phone calls without engine numbers?
Prisoners in Australian states can pay up to $7 for a 12-minute call to mobile numbers, while calls from prison can cost as much as $0.90 per minute through standard prison phone systems.
What is a 3CX engine number for prison calls?
A 3CX engine number is a specialised VoIP service that provides prisoners with local call rates to reach family and friends, reducing call costs by up to 85% compared to standard prison phone charges.
Do engine numbers work in all Australian prisons?
Yes, reputable engine number services work in all Australian prison locations without restrictions, ensuring consistent communication regardless of facility transfers.
What are the main benefits of using engine numbers for jail calls?
Engine numbers offer unlimited weekly plans, dramatically reduced per-minute costs, no setup fees, free number changes for prison transfers, and the ability to receive calls on both mobile and landline numbers.
What Are Engine Numbers and How Do They Work?
Engine numbers are specialised VoIP phone services that provide prisoners with local call rates by routing calls through a local telephone number, reducing costs by up to 85% compared to standard prison phone systems.
Engine numbers work by assigning you a local landline number that forwards calls to your mobile or chosen phone. When a prisoner calls this number from jail, they pay local call rates (typically $0.25-$0.40 per call) instead of expensive mobile rates that can reach $0.90 per minute.
The technology behind engine numbers utilises 3CX VoIP systems and cloud-based call routing to ensure reliable connections across all Australian correctional facilities. This system has become essential for maintaining family connections while serving sentences.
Key Technical Benefits:
- Local Rate Conversion: Converts expensive mobile calls to local landline rates
- Cloud-Based Routing: Ensures calls reach you regardless of your location
- Prison System Compatibility: Works with all major Australian prison phone systems
- Multi-Device Support: Can forward to mobile, landline, or international numbers
Why Are Prison Phone Calls So Expensive in Australia?
Australian prisoners face some of the highest call costs globally, with rates reaching $7 for a 12-minute call to mobile numbers, creating significant financial barriers for maintaining family relationships.
The high cost of prison calls stems from several factors:
Monopolistic Prison Phone Contracts
Most Australian correctional facilities have exclusive contracts with telecommunications providers, eliminating competition and allowing inflated pricing structures.
Security and Monitoring Costs
Prison phone systems require extensive monitoring and recording capabilities to protect victims of crime and prevent further offending by telephone, adding infrastructure costs that are passed to users.
Revenue Sharing Arrangements
Many correctional facilities receive commission from phone service providers, incentivising higher call rates rather than affordable communication options.
Recent Improvements by State:
- Victoria: Reduced mobile call rates to 25c per minute from 57c per minute starting February 2025
- Queensland: Implemented 25% reduction in local call rates and 20% cheaper national calls
- Other States: Still maintain higher rates, making engine numbers essential
For comprehensive information on Victoria’s updated prison phone call rates, refer to this article.
How Much Can You Save with Engine Numbers?
Families can save between $200-$800 monthly on prison phone calls by using engine number services instead of standard prison phone rates.
Cost Comparison Table
| Call Duration | Standard Prison Rate | Engine Number Rate | Monthly Savings* |
| 10 min daily | $210-$630/month | $26/month | $184-$604 |
| 20 min daily | $420-$1,260/month | $26/month | $394-$1,234 |
| 30 min daily | $630-$1,890/month | $26/month | $604-$1,864 |
*Based on $6.50 weekly engine number service vs $0.25-$0.90 per minute prison rates
Real-World Savings Examples:
Family A – Melbourne: Previously paying $450/month for daily 15-minute calls, now pays $26/month with engine numbers. Annual savings: $5,088
Family B – Sydney: Reduced monthly prison call costs from $280 to $26 using 3CX engine numbers. Annual savings: $3,048
Family C – Brisbane: Cut prison communication costs by 91%, from $320/month to $26/month. Annual savings: $3,528
Which Engine Number Service Offers the Best Rates?
Top engine number services in Australia offer flexible weekly pricing between $6.50 and $10.
Top Engine Number Providers Comparison:
| Provider | Weekly Rate | Inmate Call Cost | Setup Fee | Contract |
| Engine Numbers | $6.50 | Government regulated call rate ($0.25-$0.40) | Free | No Contract |
| 3CX Engine Number | $10 | Government regulated call rate ($0.25-$0.40) | Free | No Contract |
| Jail Engine | 3.9c/min | Government regulated call rate ($0.25-$0.40) | Free | No Contract |
| Prison Engine | Varies | $0.40-$0.50 | $25 | 3 Months |
| Prison Calling | $9.50 | $0.35-$0.45 | Free | No Contract |
| Phonethru | 5.7c min | Usually 30-50 cents local call | $9 | No Contract |
| Prisonconnect | $9.50 | Usually 30-50 cents local call | Free | No Contract |
| Nswprisoncalling | $0.40 per call | $0.40 | Free | Monthly |
Why Choose the Cheapest Options:
Engine Numbers or 3CX Engine Number and Jail Engine offer:
- $6.50/week unlimited calls with quick setup
- Works in all Australian prison locations without restrictions
- Free number changes if prison location changes
- No hidden fees or long-term contracts
- 24/7 customer support
How to Choose the Right 3CX Engine Number Provider?
Select an engine number provider based on pricing transparency, prison compatibility, customer support quality, and additional features like international forwarding capabilities.
Essential Evaluation Criteria:
1. Pricing Structure
- Transparent weekly/monthly rates without hidden fees
- No setup costs or activation charges
- Competitive inmate call rates ($0.25-$0.40 per call)
- No long-term contracts allowing flexible cancellation
2. Technical Reliability
- 99.9% uptime guarantee for consistent call connectivity
- All-prison compatibility across Australian correctional facilities
- Call quality assurance with HD voice technology
- 24/7 technical support for immediate issue resolution
3. Service Flexibility
- Free number changes when prisoners transfer facilities
- International call forwarding for overseas family members
- Multiple device support (mobile, landline, VoIP)
- Call recording options (where legally permitted)
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Providers requiring long-term contracts
- Hidden setup fees or activation costs
- Limited prison compatibility
- Poor customer service reviews
- Unclear pricing structures
What Features Should You Look for in Engine Number Services?
Premium engine number services should include unlimited call plans, multi-device forwarding, free prison transfer support, and 24/7 customer service to ensure reliable family communication.
Must-Have Features:
Core Communication Features
- Unlimited weekly/monthly call plans to avoid per-minute charges
- Multi-device call forwarding to mobile, landline, and VoIP numbers
- HD voice quality for clear conversations
- Call waiting and voicemail functionality
Prison-Specific Features
- Universal prison compatibility across all Australian facilities
- Free number changes for prison transfers or relocations
- Local call rate guarantee for inmates ($0.25-$0.40 per call)
- Emergency support for urgent family communications
Additional Value-Added Services
- International call forwarding for overseas family members
- Call scheduling to optimise communication timing
- Account management portal for usage monitoring
- Multiple user support for different family members
Advanced Features Worth Considering:
- Voice message systems for when calls can’t be answered
- Call analytics to track usage patterns
- Family plan discounts for multiple numbers
- Priority customer support for immediate assistance
How to Set Up an Engine Number for Prison Calls?
Setting up an engine number takes just minutes with an easy activation process that includes choosing your plan, receiving your local number, and providing it to your incarcerated family member.
Step-by-Step Setup Process:
Step 1: Choose Your Service Provider
- Compare pricing from reputable providers (Engine Numbers, 3CX Engine Number, Jail Engine)
- Verify prison compatibility for your specific correctional facility
- Check customer reviews and support availability
- Select plan based on expected call frequency
Step 2: Account Registration
- Visit provider’s website and click “Get Started”
- Enter your contact information and preferred phone number
- Choose your forwarding destination (mobile/landline)
- Select payment method (weekly/monthly billing)
Step 3: Number Assignment
- Receive your unique local engine number (typically within 5 minutes)
- Test the number by calling it from your mobile phone
- Verify call forwarding is working correctly
- Note down the number for prison registration
Step 4: Prison Registration
- Contact the correctional facility’s administration office
- Provide your engine number for their approved calling list
- Complete any required paperwork or verification processes
- Wait for approval (typically 24-48 hours)
Step 5: First Call Testing
- Have your family member attempt their first call
- Verify call quality and connection stability
- Test voicemail functionality if needed
- Contact customer support if any issues arise
Timeline Expectations:
- Account Setup: 5-10 minutes
- Number Activation: Immediate
- Prison Approval: 1-2 business days
- First Successful Call: 24-48 hours
Are There Any Limitations or Restrictions?
While engine numbers dramatically reduce call costs, they may have limitations including call recording requirements, specific prison approval processes, and restrictions on certain call types or destinations.
Common Service Limitations:
Technical Restrictions
- Call recording compliance – All calls may be recorded per prison regulations
- Time-of-day limitations – Some prisons restrict calling hours (typically 8 AM – 8 PM)
- Call duration limits – Individual call limits set by correctional facilities
- Number portability – May require new number if changing providers
Administrative Requirements
- Prison approval process – All numbers must be pre-approved by facility administration
- Identity verification – Recipients may need to verify their relationship to the prisoner
- Regular re-approval – Some facilities require periodic number verification
- Emergency call restrictions – Engine numbers may not support emergency services
Service Specific Limitations
- International forwarding costs – Additional charges may apply for overseas forwarding
- Call volume limits – Some providers cap monthly call volumes
- Payment processing – Automatic payments may be required for some plans
- Service availability – Limited providers may restrict geographic coverage
Important Compliance Notes:
Legal Considerations:
- All prison calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes
- Three-way calling and call forwarding may be restricted
- Certain conversation topics may result in call termination
- Violation of prison phone policies can result in service suspension
Quality Assurance:
- Service reliability depends on prison phone system compatibility
- Call quality may vary based on facility infrastructure
- Customer support availability varies by provider
- Backup communication methods should be maintained
For detailed prison telephone access policies and regulations, see the official Australia prison telephone access page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can engine numbers be used in all Australian prisons?
Yes, reputable engine number services work in all Australian prison locations without restrictions, ensuring consistent communication regardless of facility transfers or relocations.
How much do inmates pay when calling engine numbers?
Inmates pay only $0.25 or $0.40 per call when using engine number services, compared to standard prison rates that can reach $0.90 per minute for mobile calls.
What happens if a prisoner is transferred to another facility?
Not all providers offer free number changes if an inmate moves. Some, like Engine Numbers, 3CX Engine Number, and Jail Engine, provide them at no cost, while others may charge a fee or place limits. Always check your provider’s policy for complete details.
Are there setup fees for engine number services?
Quick setup is provided with no fees and no contract requirements from the best engine number providers in Australia, making it accessible for all families.
Can overseas family members receive calls through engine numbers?
Yes, engine numbers support overseas answering locations for seamless international communication, allowing global family connections at local call rates for inmates.
How quickly can an engine number be activated?
Engine numbers can be activated in just minutes with an easy activation process, though prison approval may take 24-48 hours depending on facility procedures.
What’s the difference between engine numbers and regular prison calling?
Engine numbers route calls through local telephone systems, converting expensive mobile call rates to affordable local rates, while regular prison calling charges full mobile rates that can exceed $7 per call.
Do engine number services require long-term contracts?
The best engine number providers offer no contract services, allowing families flexibility to change or cancel services without penalty fees.
Conclusion
Engine numbers represent the most cost-effective solution for maintaining family connections during incarceration in Australia. With weekly unlimited plans starting at $6.50 and inmate call costs of just $0.25-$0.40, families can save thousands of dollars annually while ensuring consistent communication.
The key to maximising savings lies in choosing established providers like Engine Numbers , 3CX Engine Number or Jail Engine that offer transparent pricing, universal prison compatibility, and comprehensive customer support.
As Australian correctional systems continue implementing cheaper call rates, engine numbers remain the most reliable method for affordable prison communication, providing families with the financial relief needed during challenging times.
Ready to reduce your prison call costs by up to 91%? Compare Australia’s leading engine number providers and start saving today.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect current pricing and service offerings. Last updated: September 2025
