Controlled environment facility calling services using voice over internet protocol infrastructure

摘要

Systems and methods which utilize existing, or otherwise available, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) infrastructure for providing calling services with respect to controlled environment facilities, while continuing to implement a desired level of call mastering, are shown. VoIP infrastructure utilized according to embodiments may be provided by various alternative carriers, such as may have initially have been deployed for providing reduced rate calling services to individual users. Where possible, a call processor adapted according to embodiments may implement some of the same call mastering functions with respect to calls using VoIP infrastructure links as for more traditional call using PSTN links. However, embodiments additionally or alternatively implement functions uniquely tailored to the use of VoIP links. Embodiments allow user selection of the use of VoIP infrastructure.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
receiving a request from a calling party within a controlled-environment facility at a call processing platform to initiate a communication with a called party; prior to initiating said communication between said calling party and said called party, receiving an indication from said called party of whether said called party wishes to utilize a first network infrastructure or a second network infrastructure to establish said communication; and at least one of:
if said called party indicates selection of said first network infrastructure, establishing a link under control of said call processing platform using said first network infrastructure to provide said communication between said calling party and said called party; orif said called party indicates selection of said second network infrastructure, establishing a link under control of said call processing platform using said second network infrastructure to provide said communication between said calling party and said called party; andwherein said indication is received in response to an announcement providing information to said called party explaining an advantage or a disadvantage of selecting said first or second network infrastructures.