A system for controlling, monitoring, and recording of telecommunications services associated with penal institutions is provided. The system comprises processor, memory, and application that receive a first transmission from a telephone number, the first transmission requesting a voice communication session with a portable electronic device associated with a penal institution. The system analyzes a first file containing a listing of at least one telephone number authorized to originate communication with the device, analyzes a second file describing authorized days and time periods for the device to engage in communication originated by the telephone number, and determines, based on the analysis of the first and second files, that the device is authorized to engage in the requested communication. The system also originates a second transmission to the device and connects the first and second transmissions with the second transmission, wherein the application monitors, records, and analyzes communications by the device.