an internet - based audio / video and voip telephone visitation system for prisons wherein audio / video and voip visitation may be originated by either an inmate or an outside visitor . an inmate uses an individual portable electronic device in his / her possession to communicate exclusively with the visitation system . through the visitation system video messages , video visitations , and voip telecommunications may be exchanged between the inmate and a registered visitor having an internet - enabled device . communication requires no endpoint control by prison personnel . all communications may be subject to intervention , recordation , and monitoring by prison personnel . payment for services is prepaid by visitors using an on - line payment service eliminating involvement of prison personnel . all non - privileged calls are recorded . all calls may be monitored . a fee - per - minute is charged . time is tracked for each call . the call duration and time remaining for a call may be displayed for both the visitor and the inmate .