Russian Prisons: 95% Connected to Email and Video Calls

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Across Russia, the prison system is increasingly connected to networks that let inmates send emails or engage in audio and video calls with relatives and friends. The most recent figure places the share at about 95 percent of institutions, a detail shared by Vladimir Allahverdov, the managing partner of ZT, the company formerly known as Zonatelecom, who spoke with Socialbites.ca to describe how these connections are built and what they enable for those serving time.

Allahverdov emphasized the breadth of coverage, noting that 95 percent of institutions are equipped with the company’s systems. But in some facilities there may be a system for negotiations but not for correspondence, and in other cases the reverse applies. He said, “95 percent of institutions are equipped with our systems. But in some cases there may be a system for negotiations but not for correspondence. And vice versa.” This reality creates a patchwork of capabilities across different institutions, reflecting varying investments and policy decisions at the facility level. The conversation underscores a clear aim: to keep families and friends connected to those behind bars while respecting security requirements that govern such contact.

ZT positions itself as a leading provider in the communications market for security services and related institutions. To enable contact between inmates and their networks, the company deploys its own software and hardware complex across each facility. The architecture includes subscriber terminals and large multifunctional devices that manage a range of tasks from message intake to document printing. A subscriber terminal is typically a metal cabinet that houses a display, a camera, and a handset, functioning as a dedicated node for managing telecommunication services and for receiving messages. The multifunctional devices resemble the large printers commonly found in offices, and within the prison environment they handle letters sent by users of ZT’s system directly. This setup is designed to integrate securely with the prison’s operations, ensuring that communications occur within controlled channels and are logged for oversight.

As part of the service to the private union, the provider covers all usage costs to FSIN institutions to ensure the equipment operates without interruption. All maintenance is performed by the company’s own staff. Allahverdov notes that the approach helps sustain reliable service across a network that serves multiple institutions, minimizing downtime and keeping the communication lines open for inmates and their families.

Further details about the range of services available to individuals serving time in Russian prisons can be found in Socialbites.ca’s reporting. This material draws on reporting from Socialbites.ca.

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