Skip to content
What Is an Engine Number / Engin Number for Prison Calls and Why It Matters? - The Freebird & Co

What Is an Engine Number / Engin Number for Prison Calls and Why It Matters?

Published on:

|

Time to read: 8 min

Introduction: The Key to Affordable & Reliable Prison Calls

Staying connected with an incarcerated loved one is already challenging, and the high cost of prison calls only adds to the burden. If you’ve been looking for ways to lower these costs while ensuring seamless communication, you’ve likely come across the term engine number (or engin number).


But what exactly is an engine number, and why does it matter for prison calls?


In this guide, we’ll explore:


What an engine number (engin number) is
How it simplifies prison calls and reduces costs
Why Prisoncall is the best choice for inmate communication
How to set up an engine number for prison calls


Let’s break it down and help you save money while staying connected. 


What Is an Engine Number (Engin Number) in Prison Calls?

An engine number (sometimes spelled engin number ) is a unique identifier used to route inmate calls efficiently through an optimized network. It ensures that calls from a prison phone system connect seamlessly to their intended recipient while avoiding unnecessary long-distance charges.


Why does this matter?


Without an engine number: Calls are often routed inefficiently, leading to higher charges and potential call failures.

With an engine number: Calls connect faster, at lower rates , improving both cost and reliability.


💡 Think of it like a shortcut for prison phone calls —instead of taking a long and expensive route, an engine number ensures the call reaches you efficiently and affordably. 

How Does an Engine Number Help Reduce the Cost of Prison Calls?

Prison calls are notoriously expensive , often costing up to $3 per minute for families trying to stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones.


Here’s how an engine number (engin number) helps reduce these costs: 

1. Eliminates Unnecessary Long-Distance Fees

🔹 Problem: Traditional prison calls are routed through expensive national or international carriers , leading to sky-high charges.


🔹 Solution: An engine number bypasses this issue by ensuring the call connects through a local, cost-effective route —bringing rates down significantly.

Prisoncall Cheap Prison Calls

Prisoncall eliminates unnecessary fees by providing a virtual landline number that is local to the prison.


Converts expensive long-distance calls into local-rate calls
Allows inmates to call home without excessive per-minute charges
Saves families an average of 70% or more on prison phone costs


By using Prisoncall’s innovative technology, families can drastically reduce their monthly expenses, making communication affordable and stress-free.

2. Converts Expensive Calls into Local Calls

💡 Did you know? Many prisons charge inmates premium rates for calling mobile numbers.


An engine number transforms the call into a "local" call, ensuring lower costs. 

3. Improves Call Quality & Reliability

📞 Calls through an engine number are routed more efficiently, reducing dropouts and delays.


Higher call clarity
Faster connection times
More stable, uninterrupted conversations


🔹 Bottom Line: An engine number helps you save money AND improves the calling experience! 

Prisoncall Plans

Prisoncall: More Than Just Cheap Prison Calls

How Prisoncall Uses Engine Numbers for Affordable Communication

Prisoncall is Australia’s leading service for reducing prison call costs, utilizing engine number technology to:


✔ Automatically assign a local engine number to inmates’ contacts
Convert expensive long-distance calls into budget-friendly local calls
Ensure that families receive calls seamlessly on their mobile phones


💡 How It Works:


1️⃣ Sign up for a Prisoncall plan
2️⃣ Receive your dedicated engine number (engin number)
3️⃣ Provide this number to your incarcerated loved one
4️⃣ Enjoy cheaper, clearer, and more reliable calls


No complicated setup. No hidden fees. Just an affordable, worry-free connection. 

Prisoncall Cheap Prison Calls

The Difference Between an Engine Number and a Virtual Landline

Many people confuse engine numbers with virtual landlines, but they serve different purposes in prison call systems.


Feature Engine Number Virtual Landline
Purpose Reduces prison call costs by optimizing routing Provides a dedicated local number for inmates to call
Function Works in the background to route calls efficiently Creates a new, separate number for receiving inmate calls
Offered by Prisoncall? ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Reduces call charges? ✅ Yes, by bypassing expensive routes ✅ Yes, by making calls local

For maximum savings, many families use both services together! 

Prisoncall - Cheap Prison Calls

Setting Up an Engine Number for Your Loved One

Getting started with an engine number through Prisoncall is quick and hassle-free.


Step-by-Step Guide:


Step 1: Choose a Prisoncall subscription plan
Step 2: Receive your assigned engine number
Step 3: Provide the engine number to your incarcerated loved one
Step 4: Start receiving cheaper, clearer calls instantly!


That’s it! No contracts, no complicated setup—just an easy way to lower the cost of staying connected.

Prisoncall - Cheap Prison Calls

“No one can rule your mind”

The Freebird & Co

Why Families Trust Prisoncall for Engine Number Services

"Affordable calls with Prisoncall mean I never miss an important moment with my loved one. Pairing it with The Freebird & Co’s clothing has made life inside a little easier for her."

Sophia T.

"The seamless experience of Prisoncall has taken the stress out of staying in touch with my wife. Combined with The Freebird & Co’s thoughtful prison approved clothing designs, it feels like a full-circle solution for supporting her."

Gazza S.

"Thanks to Prisoncall, we can speak regularly, and I don’t worry about the cost. Adding The Freebird & Co’s products to our routine has brought my son comfort and a sense of individuality."

Amy S.

Prison Approved Shorts

Conclusion: Why an Engine Number Is Essential for Cheaper Prison Calls

An engine number (engin number) is more than just a technical tool—it’s a game-changer for reducing prison call costs.


By optimizing call routing, an engine number helps:


Slash long-distance fees
Improve call reliability and clarity
Ensure families stay connected affordably


💡 With Prisoncall, setting up an engine number is easy, fast, and hassle-free.


🔥 Take control of your prison call costs today—sign up with Prisoncall and start saving!

Do you want to provide the best support and products for your incarcerated loved ones in Australia prison? Explore The Freebird & Co's best prison approved apparel and prison approved accessories, and Prisoncall's plans that offer the convenience of receiving prison calls on your mobile at an affordable prison call rate with unlimited prison call minutes!

The Freebird & Co Author Daniel Hughes

The Author: Daniel Hughes

With a background in corrections and community outreach, Daniel brings firsthand experience in understanding the challenges of incarceration and reentry. His insights into prison communication, mental health, and personal empowerment help families navigate life during and after incarceration.

Prison Approved T-Shirts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Freebird & Co prison-approved clothing?

Prison-approved clothing refers to garments that meet the specific requirements set by Australian correctional facilities or prisons in Australia. These include plain, non-obvious or front-facing branded items like t-shirts, shorts, underwear, and socks that adhere to regulations on colour, fabric, and design. View The Freebird & Co's entire prison approved apparel and accessories collection here.

What clothing items are prisoners allowed to have in Australian jail?

Prisoners are typically allowed prison approved t-shirts, prison approved shorts, prison approved singlets, prison approved underwear, prison approved socks, and prison approved caps, depending on the facility. The Freebird & Co offers a full range of prison approved clothing designed specifically for these needs. Discover The Freebird & Co prisoner apparel and accessories collection here.

Is Prisoncall the best prison phone service for Australia?

Prisoncall is the #1 prison calling service in Australia, with competitively priced plans that are packed with features such as prison approved local number (sometimes known as prison engine number, prison engin number, prison virtual landline), unlimited prison call minutes, voicemail bypass technology (Voicepass TM ) and the option to cancel anytime. View our Prisoncall plans and customer’s testimonials here.

When can I start using Prisoncall after signing up?

Once you've completed the Prisoncall registration and selected a plan, your unique Prisoncall phone number is typically activated within 1 hr – 48 hrs, allowing immediate use. You must provide your unique Prisoncall number to the inmate so that they can get it registered to the prison phone system as soon as possible. We offer a 48hrs activation and local exchange landline number guarantee (for maximum call cost savings), which means if you don’t receive your unique Prisoncall number within 48hrs of purchase, the first month subscription is FREE. Explore our plans and pricing here.

Can I send clothing to prisoners in Australia?

Yes, you can send clothing to prisoners, but it must be approved by the prison. The Freebird specializes in prison approved apparel so it easy to send items that comply with Australian prison regulations. Explore our prison approved clothing collections here.

What clothing items are prisoners allowed to have in jail?

Prisoners are typically allowed prison approved plain t-shirts, prison approved shorts, prison approved singlets, prison approved underwear, prison approved socks, and prison approved caps, depending on the facility. The Freebird offers a full range of prisoner clothing designed specifically for these needs. Discover The Freebird collection here.

Can I use Prisoncall for international calls?

Yes! Prisoncall's focus is to provide inmates with means of connecting with family and friends from all over the world. Prisoncall connects calls from prison to an international phone number via our BE.YOND TM plan and offers features such as prison approved local number, unlimited minutes, voicemail bypass technology (Voicepass TM ) and the option to cancel anytime. You can save more by choosing the 3-monthly plans for savings up to $240/year. This service is available in 150+ countries. You also enjoy bonus 5% discount for all prison approved apparel or prison approved clothing with any subscription of Prisoncall. View the Prisoncall plans here.

How can I monitor my Prisoncall usage and spending?

This is the advantage of using Prisoncall over other service providers. We provide unlimited talk time minutes so that you and your family can focus on bonding and connecting with your loved one in prison than worrying about how much the call is going to cost you. We’ve been there and done that, we know how much time is lost not being able to talk to your loved ones while being in prison hence, the reason why we have kept Prisoncall plans simple. Strengthen your bond, build memories that will last a lifetime, and let us worry about the rest. For all other plan related details or information, you can view your account at our storeDon't have an account with us yet? Sign up for a Prisoncall plan here.

More from The Journal

Pre Order SALE is on - Up to 40% OFF everything SALE ends APRIL 30th!