A web-based video conferencing system and method for providing remote visitation with inmates incarnated in a prison. All visitations are initiated by the inmates and no endpoint control by prison personnel is required. “Jail-hardened” terminals in the prison communicate via Internet with visitor Internet-enabled devices. Payment for services is paid by visitors using an on-line payment service relieving prison personnel of any handling of money. All calls (excluding clergy, lawyers, etc.) are typically recorded and no routine monitoring is required by prison personnel. Inmates use the “jail-hardened” terminals to initiate video conference using only a 12-key telephone style keypad. A fee-per-minute is charged. Time is tracked for each call and the call duration and remaining time for a call based upon the maximum allowed call length and an inmate's available minutes are displayed for both the visitor and the inmate.