Learn how inmate phone calls at Bent County Jail work — costs, account setup, and how to pay using official providers.
When a loved one is booked into Bent County Jail in Las Animas, Colorado, one of the first questions families ask is how to make contact. Phone calls from jail are not automatic — they require an account with a specific provider, prepaid funds, and an understanding of how the facility's calling system works. This guide walks through every step of that process, from understanding what calls cost to choosing the right service.
What It Means to Set Up Phone Calls from Bent County Jail
Bent County Jail is a county-operated facility located in Las Animas, Colorado, operated by the Bent County Sheriff's Office. Like most county jails across the United States, Bent County Jail contracts with a telecommunications provider to manage all inmate calling. The facility does not operate its own phone network — it relies entirely on a third-party platform for call routing, account management, and billing.
That distinction matters for families. The provider the facility contracts with is the only authorized source for inmate calls from that location. Attempting to find another workaround will not work because inmates can only dial numbers that are registered and approved within that specific platform. Families must set up an account with whichever provider holds the Bent County contract.
Before attempting to add funds or create an account, families should verify the current contracted provider directly with the facility. Contracts can change, and information from older websites or informal sources may be outdated. Calling the Bent County Sheriff's Office directly or checking the official facility website is the most reliable first step.
The Major Inmate Phone Call Providers in the United States
The inmate telecommunications industry in the United States is dominated by a small number of companies, each of which holds contracts with thousands of county, state, and federal facilities. Understanding who these companies are helps families navigate the landscape when they're unsure who serves a particular facility.
Securus Technologies is one of the two largest providers in the country. They hold contracts with a significant portion of county jails in the western United States, including facilities across Colorado. Securus offers a web portal and mobile application where outside parties can create a prepaid account, add funds, and enable incoming calls from an incarcerated person. Their rate structure varies by facility based on the terms of their individual contracts.
ICSolutions is a mid-sized provider that also services a number of county facilities. Their platform allows families to create a AdvancePay account, which functions like a prepaid credit that an inmate draws from each time they call an approved number. ICSolutions has historically been used in smaller rural county facilities across several states.
GTL (now rebranded under the Global Tel Link or Telmate umbrella depending on the facility) is the other dominant player. GTL serves thousands of facilities nationally and offers both prepaid and collect call options. They have a consumer-facing application that allows account creation, fund deposits, and call history tracking.
Each of these companies charges rates that include a per-minute rate plus any applicable government-mandated taxes or fees. The Federal Communications Commission has imposed rate caps on interstate calls made from incarcerated settings, though intrastate rates are subject to individual state regulation and may vary. Families should check the provider's rate schedule for Bent County specifically before adding funds.
The limitation common to all three of these providers is that their interfaces can be confusing for families navigating a jail situation for the first time. Account creation requires correct formatting of phone numbers, identity verification in some cases, and careful selection of the right facility — a mistake at any step means calls will not connect. That is exactly the gap that InMato LLC addresses by guiding families to the correct, official provider and walking through deposit instructions step by step.
How Prepaid Calling Accounts Work
Most inmate calling providers offer two main account types: an AdvancePay or prepaid account, and a collect call option. The prepaid model is generally more cost-effective. In a prepaid arrangement, the outside party — a family member or friend — creates an account linked to their own phone number, deposits funds, and the incarcerated person then draws from that balance each time they call.
The collect call model works differently. Inmates dial out and the charges are billed to the recipient's phone line after the call. Some providers allow collect calls only to landline phones, and some carriers refuse to accept collect call billing entirely. This has made collect calling less practical for most families in recent years.
Families should be aware that the account they create must match the phone number they want to receive calls on. If the incarcerated person dials a cell number, the prepaid account must be tied to that same cell number. Creating an account with a different phone number than the one receiving the call will result in failed connections or charges not being applied correctly.
Fund minimums vary by provider. Some platforms require a minimum deposit of ten dollars to activate an account, while others may set it higher. Deposits are typically made by credit or debit card through the provider's website or app. Some providers also offer in-person kiosks at the facility itself, which can be useful for family members who visit.
Understanding Call Rates and Fees at Bent County Jail
The cost of an inmate phone call from Bent County Jail depends on the rate negotiated between the facility and its contracted provider, along with the applicable regulatory framework for intrastate calls within Colorado. The FCC caps on interstate calls do provide a ceiling for calls crossing state lines, but when both parties are within Colorado, state-level regulation governs the rate.
In general, per-minute rates at county jails range widely depending on facility size, contract terms, and whether the call is considered local, in-state, or interstate. Beyond per-minute charges, families often encounter additional fees: account setup fees, payment processing fees, and in some cases fees for paper statements. These are separate from the actual cost of the call itself.
Colorado has taken steps through the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to address intrastate rates at correctional facilities, but the regulatory environment continues to evolve. Families should not assume rates at Bent County match those at any other Colorado facility — each contract is independently negotiated. The only reliable source for the current rate at Bent County Jail is the provider's published rate card for that specific facility.
One practical way to reduce per-call costs is to maintain a funded prepaid account rather than relying on collect calling. Prepaid rates through AdvancePay or similar accounts are typically lower than collect call rates because the provider takes on less billing risk. Setting up an account in advance, before the incarcerated person places their first call, is always the more economical choice.
Setting Up an Account: Step-by-Step
The process for setting up a phone account is roughly the same across providers, with small variations in interface and requirements. Families should begin by identifying the contracted provider for Bent County Jail, either through the facility directly or through a verified search tool. Once the provider is confirmed, the process begins on the provider's official website.
Account registration requires a valid email address, a phone number that will receive calls, and a payment method. Some providers require identity verification for certain account types or deposit amounts, which may involve providing a name and address. Verification requirements vary and may also affect how quickly the account becomes active.
After account creation, the next step is funding the account. Most providers process credit and debit card payments instantly, meaning the balance is available as soon as the transaction clears. Some providers also accept prepaid debit cards, though this depends on the platform. Families should keep a record of their account credentials, transaction confirmations, and the provider's customer support number.
The incarcerated person must then dial the family member's approved number from a facility phone. The system will recognize the number as linked to a funded account and connect the call. If the call fails, the most common causes are a phone number mismatch in the account, insufficient funds, or the called number not being on the approved list for that facility's system.
Inmate Phone Calls at In Bent County Jail: Costs, Accounts, and How to Pay
Families searching for guidance on inmate phone calls at Bent County Jail are not just looking for a provider name — they want to understand the full picture: what calls cost, how money flows through the system, and how to avoid mistakes that delay contact with someone they care about. The topic of inmate phone calls at in Bent County Jail: costs, accounts, and how to pay reflects a real and pressing concern for families in southeastern Colorado and beyond.
There is a meaningful difference between families who navigate this process with clear, accurate information and those who find their way to unofficial sites that mimic official payment portals. Lookalike payment sites that charge processing fees for deposits they never actually deliver are a documented problem in this space. Families who are scared and searching quickly are especially vulnerable to these sites.
Using a verified guide — not a random search result — before entering any payment information is the most important single step a family can take. The information in this guide reflects how these systems work, but families should always confirm the specific provider and rates directly with Bent County Jail or through InMato LLC's county jail inmate search tool, which links only to official, licensed providers and never to lookalike payment sites.
Securus Technologies: A Closer Look
Securus Technologies holds contracts with a significant number of county jails in Colorado, making it one of the first providers families should check when a loved one is held in a Colorado facility. Their consumer-facing platform, accessible at securustech.net, allows account holders to create a Prepaid Calling account, add funds by credit card, and view call history.
Securus's mobile application is available on both iOS and Android platforms and mirrors the functionality of the web portal. Families who prefer managing accounts from a phone rather than a desktop computer will find the app functional, though some users have reported that navigating between account types requires attention to avoid depositing into the wrong account category.
One specific feature Securus offers is video visitation for facilities that have enabled it. This is separate from phone calling and requires a different type of account and separate scheduling. Not all facilities enable video, so families should confirm with Bent County Jail directly whether video visitation is available there.
Securus charges vary by facility and call type. Their rate card for any specific location is accessible through the provider's website once you select the facility during account setup. The gap that remains for families new to this process is knowing which provider is the right one for Bent County and navigating the account setup without error — the step where services like InMato fill a real and practical need.
Global Tel Link and Telmate: What Families Should Know
Global Tel Link (GTL) and Telmate operate under the same corporate parent and together serve a large share of the county jail market across the United States. In practice, whether a facility refers to its provider as GTL or Telmate often depends on which brand was in place when the contract was written. Families may encounter either name depending on the facility.
GTL's consumer platform allows families to create a prepaid debit account or a collect-call account. Their payment processing accepts major credit and debit cards, and account setup is done online. GTL also operates kiosks at many facilities that allow in-person deposits by cash or card, which is a useful option for family members who are already traveling to the jail for a visit.
One area where GTL has received criticism from incarcerated people and advocates alike is the complexity of their fee schedule. Beyond per-minute rates, fees for payment processing, account maintenance, and paper billing have been documented in public filings and advocacy reports. Families should read the fee disclosure carefully before funding an account to understand the total cost.
GTL does not address the initial problem of not knowing which provider is contracted for a given facility. Families still need to confirm the provider before creating any account. That gap — knowing with certainty who the official provider is and being directed to their legitimate, secure site rather than a lookalike — is one that InMato directly resolves for families navigating a county jail situation for the first time.
ICSolutions: A Provider for Smaller Rural Facilities
ICSolutions is a smaller provider compared to Securus and GTL but has historically served a number of rural county jails in the United States. Their AdvancePay product functions similarly to competing platforms: a family member creates an account, funds it, and calls are drawn against that balance.
ICSolutions tends to appear more often in smaller facilities with lower call volumes, which can make their platform feel less polished than the larger competitors. Their customer support options, while available, have received mixed reviews for wait times during peak periods. For a family dealing with a new detention situation, extended hold times with a support line add stress to an already difficult experience.
One practical detail for ICSolutions accounts: the platform requires that the phone number registered in the account exactly match the number the incarcerated person dials. Even a minor formatting difference — such as including or omitting the area code — can cause call failures. Families should confirm the exact format required during account setup rather than assuming a common format will work.
As with the larger providers, ICSolutions does not help families determine whether their facility is even served by ICSolutions. Discovering the wrong provider after funding an account is a preventable mistake that wastes both time and money during an already stressful period.
How InMato LLC Fits Into This Process
InMato LLC is an information, search, and referral service designed specifically for families navigating the county jail system. It is not a bail bond company, not a law firm, and not a payment processor — and it never touches user money. Deposits always go directly to the official facility provider through their secure system.
InMato's county jail inmate search covers 289 county jail systems across 14 states, and finding a loved one in jail through the tool is free for every family with no time limit. For families who are uncertain about how to find someone in jail, the search tool provides a starting point before any phone or commissary account is ever needed. Knowing exactly where a loved one is held is the prerequisite for everything else.
Once the facility is confirmed, InMato links families to the official, licensed provider for that facility — never a lookalike site. This single step eliminates one of the most common and costly mistakes families make: depositing money to an unofficial site that mimics a real provider. For families asking whether InMato is legit, the company is a Delaware limited liability company headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, co-founded by J.T. Bramlette and Steve Urry, and it has no financial incentive to direct families anywhere other than the verified official provider.
InMato+ is available at $19.99 per month per loved one and includes jail booking alerts, release and transfer alerts, court date alerts, and real-time case tracking with court-document summaries. Families who want to stay informed beyond a single phone call will find this tier useful. The service cancels anytime through self-service — no phone call required to end the subscription.
For families comparing InMato vs JailATM or weighing whether to use an app to manage jail commissary deposits, the key distinction is that InMato never processes or holds payment. It is a guide and referral tool, not a transaction platform. That distinction protects families from the category of risk where payment intermediaries fail to transmit funds or charge undisclosed fees.
What Happens If a Call Does Not Connect
Call failures are frustrating, but most have identifiable causes. The most common is a phone number that is not registered or formatted correctly in the prepaid account. Families should log into their account and verify the exact number listed, then compare it to what the incarcerated person is attempting to dial.
A second common cause is insufficient funds. Even if a family recently deposited money, processing times vary by payment method. A debit card deposit may clear within minutes, while some payment methods take longer. Checking the account balance directly in the provider's portal is faster than calling support.
A third cause is that the called number may be blocked. Some providers allow facility administrators to block certain numbers based on facility policy or court orders. If a number is blocked, the provider's customer support line is the appropriate contact to understand why and whether the block can be resolved.
If none of these explanations resolve the issue, the facility itself should be the next contact. The Bent County Sheriff's Office can confirm whether the phone system is operational and whether there is a facility-side issue affecting calls. Most phone system issues are temporary, but families should not wait passively — direct inquiry is always the faster path.
Keeping a Loved One Informed About Account Status
One practical challenge in managing inmate phone accounts is that the incarcerated person cannot check the account balance themselves. They only know whether a call connected or failed. Keeping the account funded in advance of low-balance situations prevents missed calls during important moments — an attorney update, a family check-in, or a court date reminder.
Many providers send email alerts when an account falls below a set balance threshold. Families should set up these alerts at the time of account creation to avoid unexpected call failures. Some providers also allow automatic refills when a balance drops below a set amount, which eliminates the need to manually monitor the account.
Communication between family members about who is responsible for maintaining the account balance can also prevent gaps. In situations where multiple family members want to contribute, it is generally simpler to have one account with one primary account holder, and other family members can send funds to that person to deposit rather than creating multiple accounts for the same incarcerated individual.
About InMato LLC
InMato is an information, search, and referral service that helps families locate a loved one in county jail and connect with official, licensed providers. Founded by J.T. Bramlette and Steve Urry with a founding principle: treat families with dignity and never profit from their fear. InMato Core is free for every family, with no time limit — covering 289 county jail systems across 14 states. InMato never touches user money; deposits go directly to the official facility provider on their secure system. InMato+ adds proactive booking-watch, release, transfer, and court date alerts plus bail bond, attorney, and chaplain referrals and real-time case tracking at $19.99/month per loved one, cancel anytime. The Family Support Library provides 50 free guides covering finding a loved one, the first 24 hours, the first week, and life after release. Available in English and Spanish. InMato LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California.
Get Started with InMato LLC
Search for your loved one now at inmato.com — free for every family, with no time limit. Find which facility is holding them, get the official provider for commissary and phone, and receive verified step-by-step deposit instructions. No account required to search. Available in English and Spanish. If you need help within 48 hours, start your search now and let InMato guide you to the right provider without any account required.
Originally published at https://www.inmato.com/blog/inmate-phone-calls-at-in-bent-county-jail-costs-accounts-and-how-to-pay-2026
Written by InMato
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