Video conferencing is a premium product and a big money maker for them. The hurdle comes from needing someone to monitor the video calls while they are on them. So video calls need active monitoring while voice calls are more passive.
I've installed quite a few of the existing solutions in quite a few prisons. I think the biggest factor that you pointed out is the existing provider.
Currently, there are only a handful of major players that really offer services in corrections. They are all currently trying to turn into the Apple/Google/Microsoft of corrections. So when you are trying to offer SMS services, they already have those services bundled. Along with video visitation, commissary, grievance reporting (kites), inmate phones and just a whole list of other services.
If you are doing an application for a tablet device then you wouldn't need the steel inmate proof case. Quite a few of the current tablet solutions are see through plastic.
The best way to get your messaging solution into prisons is to piggyback on other solutions. There are quite a few companies with solutions that are running around trying to throw what they have on as many platforms as possible. The key is to build a platform and have it to where it runs your messaging app.
Another thing with some of the current messaging solutions in the corrections market is that they will charge the price of a stamp for messages.
If installation inside of a prison is another hurdle, there are companies that you can work with on that.
I was dealing with this for about 5 years and have a whole bunch more to say about the opportunities but I'll just stop here.
I apologize I read that last line right after I hit reply. I still cannot transfer files. I use it to manage the existing FreeBSD\Windows\Linux boxes that we currently have and have a bunch of templates that I use already.
JPay does have competitors and there are a few opportunities out there but the Request For Proposals that come out are for a lot more services than just payment.
The opportunities available for the future are ripe for a startup but no thinks of startups in Corrections.
It is a competitive process but like you said, once they get in it his hard to dislodge them. JPay has been dislodging other incumbents more rapidly in the past few years. There are a few other companies that are out there but their name isn't in the news like JPay.
My 7yr old son is autistic and so much of what this article says and what others have commented, has been the same wild ride for us. He is a happy happy little person that wants to laugh and be loved (and eaten my Zombie Dad once in awhile.)
For the other parents out there, I don't know if they have it in your state but Ohio has things like the Autism Scholarship and grants from different Autism groups. Those really helped with those sessions not covered by insurance or being able to go to a school that provides a little more help.