PATT vs Prison Engine
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PATT
This app allows you to make and receive voice calls and SMS messages using a data connection, even outside of standard mobile coverage. It provides a dedicated Australian mobile number for easy communication with anyone, regardless of whether they have the app installed.
- Make/receive calls and SMS
- Works with satellite data
- Dedicated Australian mobile number
- Call any standard number
- Uses existing contact list
- Encrypted calls and SMS
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Designed by Pivotel, Australia’s leading provider of rural and remote communication solutions, the Pivotel App for Talk and Text (PATT) uses a data connection to allow you to make and receive voice calls and SMS with any standard national or international phone number. PATT works with virtually any data connection, including satellite services like Iridium Certus®, SkyMuster™ and nbn™ wireless, as well as other internet and Wi-Fi connections, allowing you to call and SMS, even when you are outside standard mobile phone coverage. PATT provides you with your own dedicated Australian ‘04’ mobile phone number, meaning your friends, family or co-workers can call and SMS you simply using your PATT mobile number. The Pivotel App for Talk and Text functions just like a mobile phone, so your friends, family and colleagues do not need to have the app installed. You can also call landline numbers, 1300 numbers and international phone numbers. FEATURES: Australian ’04’ mobile phone numbers: When you sign up with PATT, you get your own dedicated Australian ‘04’ mobile phone number meaning your friends, family and co-workers can call you from any ordinary mobile phone or landline service – they won’t even know you are using PATT. Voice optimisation: PATT is designed to work over the most challenging types of data connections including most mobile and fixed satellite data services. Call or SMS any standard mobile, national, or international phone number: Unlike other common VoIP platforms, the person you are calling or messaging doesn’t need to have PATT installed. Use your existing contact list: PATT accesses your existing contacts and displays them in a combined list for easy access, avoiding the need to re-enter all the names and phone numbers of your friends and family. Security: All calls and SMS are encrypted over the secure Pivotel network using Transport Layer Security (TLS) giving you peace of mind that your calls and SMS stay private. How to get started: Sign up for the PATT service and choose your service plan at www.pivotel.com.au/patt. Once you have your PATT login you’re ready to go! Note: Operator data charges may apply. Contact your provider for details
Prison Engine
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Prison Engine is your solution to expensive inmate calls. Our service provides local landline numbers near prisons, allowing inmates to call you at reduced rates. Simply install the app, create an account, and start receiving calls directly on your mobile device. Stay connected with your loved ones without breaking the bank. Download Prison Engine today and experience affordable communication.
Screenshots
Verdict
PATT and Prison Engine are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | PATT | Prison Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 12.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 76 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pivotel Satellite Pty Limited | Prison Engine |
In-app purchases
PATT
No in-app purchases
Prison Engine
No in-app purchases









