As technology is becoming a regular part of our lives, prisons and jails are beginning to adopt new ways to communicate with family and friends. One such innovation is the federal inmate text messaging. Inmates can send messages to their loved ones via a special device, which looks like an ordinary cellphone. It costs 10 cents per message and has a 160-character limit. The device is simple to use by loved ones who wish to communicate with incarcerated relatives.

The devices, also known as chirping devices, don't allow inmates to take photographs or download apps to make phone calls or browse the web. Additionally, they aren't allowed to use stickers or Emojis. The device doesn't need pre-approval best inmate text app or phone minutes.

On the ConnectNetwork website, users can purchase credits to send messages. The prices for the messages vary by state and facility. Log into ConnectNetwork to check the rates currently in effect. Go to the messaging page of the person you would like to reach.

Inmates can reply to messages either by handwriting a response or by responding electronically. They can also use the device to buy books. Corbot also has an Amazon feature that allows inmates to search for books by title or author, and then look-up an all-text version of the book.

While the ability to text can be helpful however, it is important to remember that federal inmates are subject to strict security measures. Users of the service are advised to stay aware of their surroundings at all times and not disclose any personal information, such as a phone number or address to an inmate. They should also stay clear from inmates who have not authorized to be part of the program.