Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a mobile subscriber is registered for authentication. Registering the mobile subscriber, in an embodiment, includes querying the mobile service provider of the mobile subscriber for an international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI) of the mobile subscriber at the time of registration and creating an authentication database in which a database entry includes at least: a mobile telephone number for the mobile subscriber and the IMSI of the mobile subscriber.

A system and method allows users to make purchases by charging or funding a prepaid debit card with their cell phone accounts by simulating a user roaming with their mobile device.

An incoming communication processing system and method is disclosed for providing communication and data services to residents of a controlled facility. Specifically, the incoming communication processing system allows outside parties to initiate communications to residents of a controlled facility. The incoming communication processing system may work in conjunction with or separately from an outgoing communication processing system. Many restrictions and safeguards may be implemented within the incoming communication system in order to prevent improper use.