{"id":1423,"date":"2021-01-29T14:53:11","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T22:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdcr.ca.gov\/family-resources\/?page_id=1423"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:48:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:48:04","slug":"tablets","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cdcr.ca.gov\/family-resources\/tablets\/","title":{"rendered":"Tablets and Telephones"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>September 2025 \u2013 February 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 21, 2025, the California Department of Technology awarded a new telecommunications contract to Securus Technologies, LLC, following a competitive process and a court ruling that vacated the prior ViaPath contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid service interruptions, CDCR secured an interim agreement with ViaPath until the transition is complete. The change will reduce costs for families and maintain access to educational, rehabilitative, and entertainment content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ViaPath to Securus Transition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The incarcerated population will continue using the ViaPath platform until their institution transitions to Securus. Once an institution has transitioned, families will need to use Securus moving forward. If your loved one is transferred to an institution that is still using ViaPath, you will need to return to that platform until the new institution transitions to Securus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/securustech.net\/cdcr\/\">Sign up for Securus <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/securustech.net\/cdcr\/\">Registrese en Securus<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transition Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fire Camps: <\/strong>Complete<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Institutions:<\/strong> Starting February 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The rollout schedule by facility is posted below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Changing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower costs for video calls and e-messages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Content does not transfer: Photos, e-messages, and media purchased through ViaPath cannot be moved to the new tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refunds and Balances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Families may request refunds for unused balances through the ViaPath call center.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incarcerated balances will be refunded to trust accounts automatically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instructions will be available on ViaPath\u2019s website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transition Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tablets must be exchanged: Incarcerated people will turn in their ViaPath tablet and receive a new Securus tablet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cost Comparison Chart<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Service<\/th><th>ViaPath<\/th><th>Securus<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Telephone Calls<br>(paid by CDCR)<\/td><td>$0.019\/min<\/td><td>$0.016\/min<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Video Calls<\/td><td>$0.16\/min<\/td><td>$0.10\/min<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>E-Messages<\/td><td>$0.05<\/td><td>$0.03<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Photos<br>(Inbound Only)<\/td><td>$0.05<\/td><td>$0.03<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Free Video Calls<\/td><td>15 min per two weeks<\/td><td>30 min per month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Free E-Messages<\/td><td>5 per week<\/td><td>20 per month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Internet Radio<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>$5.49\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Games<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>$0.99<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>B\/W Printed Content<\/td><td>$0.05\/page<\/td><td>$0.05\/page<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Color Printed Content<\/td><td>$0.25\/page<\/td><td>$0.20\/page<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>News and Sports Subscription<\/td><td>$0.75\/month<\/td><td>$0.75\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Music Subscription<\/td><td>$5.49\/month<\/td><td>$5.49\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Movie and TV Subscription<\/td><td>$1.99\/month<\/td><td>$1.99\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>E-Book Subscription<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Audio Book Subscription<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Podcast Subscription<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Free<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Replacement Earbuds*<\/td><td>$3.49<\/td><td>$5.66<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Replacement Charger*<\/td><td>$7.99<\/td><td>$3.98<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Over-the-Ear Headphones*<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>$7.98<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>*Charges will be enforced<\/em><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion\">\n\t\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">Why is CDCR switching from ViaPath to Securus?<\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>A new contract was awarded to Securus after a court ruling vacated the prior contract. CDCR is committed to uninterrupted service and improved access.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">Will there be a service gap during the transition?<\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>CDCR is committed to ensuring minimal disruption to communication services as we transition service providers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">When will facilities transition?<\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>All fire camps are full transitioned. Transitions at the institutions begin February 2026. See schedule below.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">What is changing? <\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>Lower costs for video calls and e-messages.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">What happens to messages, photos, and media on ViaPath after the transition? <\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>Incarcerated individuals\u2019 ViaPath messages, photos, and media will not transfer to the Securus tablets. Once a facility transitions, incarcerated individuals no longer have access to their ViaPath content.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">Where can families get support?<\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>Families should contact vendor customer support lines. Major outage notices will be posted on the CDCR website.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">Can my loved one keep copies of messages or photos from ViaPath? <\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>Yes. Incarcerated individuals may print messages or photos from their tablet or a kiosk BEFORE their institution\u2019s transition date.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\">Can family members request prints on behalf of an incarcerated person? <\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p>No. Incarcerated individuals must initiate a print request from their tablet or a kiosk.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Facility Rollout Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em><em>Schedule as of April 8, 2026<\/em><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Fire Camps have been fully transitioned. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Institution<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Phone Transition&nbsp;<br>(Caller ID will change)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Tablet Transition<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>California Institution for Women<\/td><td>2\/2<\/td><td>2\/5 \u2013 2\/13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Central Cal Women&#8217;s Facility<\/td><td>3\/2<\/td><td>3\/3 \u2013 3\/6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sierra Conservation Center<\/td><td>3\/9<\/td><td>3\/10 \u2013 3\/13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cal State Prison\/Solano<\/td><td>4\/13<\/td><td>4\/14-4\/21<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cal State Prison\/Sacramento<\/td><td>4\/20<\/td><td>4\/21-4\/28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California Medical Facility<\/td><td>4\/27<\/td><td>4\/28-5\/1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Substance Abuse Treatment Facility<\/td><td>5\/11<\/td><td>5\/12-5\/22<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>San Quentin Rehabilitation Center<\/td><td>5\/26<\/td><td>5\/27-6\/2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mule Creek State Prison<\/td><td>5\/26<\/td><td>5\/27-6\/2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Avenal State Prison<\/td><td>6\/1<\/td><td>6\/2-6\/5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kern Valley State Prison<\/td><td>6\/1<\/td><td>6\/2-6\/9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>North Kern State Prison<\/td><td>6\/8<\/td><td>6\/9-6\/12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wasco State Prison<\/td><td>6\/8<\/td><td>6\/9-6\/12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pleasant Valley State Prison<\/td><td>6\/15<\/td><td>6\/15-6\/18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Folsom State Prison<\/td><td>6\/15<\/td><td>6\/15-6\/18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Centinela State Prison<\/td><td>6\/22<\/td><td>6\/23-6\/26<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cal State Prison\/Corcoran<\/td><td>6\/22<\/td><td>6\/23-6\/29<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cal State Prison\/LA County<\/td><td>6\/29<\/td><td>6\/29-7\/2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salinas Valley State Prison<\/td><td>7\/6<\/td><td>7\/7-7\/10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California Health Care Facility<\/td><td>7\/6<\/td><td>7\/7-7\/13<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Calipatria State Prison<\/td><td>7\/13<\/td><td>7\/14-7\/17<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cuesta Camp (Part of CMC)<\/td><td>7\/20<\/td><td>7\/21-7\/28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California Men&#8217;s Colony<\/td><td>7\/20<\/td><td>7\/21-7\/28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High Desert State Prison<\/td><td>7\/27<\/td><td>7\/28-7\/31<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Correctional Training Facility<\/td><td>7\/27<\/td><td>7\/28-7\/31<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pelican Bay State Prison<\/td><td>8\/3<\/td><td>8\/4-8\/7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>RJ Donovan Correctional Facility<\/td><td>8\/3<\/td><td>8\/4-8\/7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Valley State Prison<\/td><td>8\/10<\/td><td>8\/11-8\/14<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cal Correctional Institution<\/td><td>8\/17<\/td><td>8\/18-8\/21<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California Institution for Men<\/td><td>8\/24<\/td><td>8\/25-8\/31<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ironwood State Prison<\/td><td>8\/24<\/td><td>8\/25-8\/31<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"3\"><strong>Note: There will be intermittent outages at each institution as we transition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"3\">**Transition dates are tentative and could change<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September 2025 \u2013 February 2026 Overview On February 21, 2025, the California Department of Technology awarded a new telecommunications contract [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"hide_featured_image_on_mobile":false,"hide_featured_image_on_post_details":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1423","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tablets and Telephones - Family &amp; 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