MOSCOW, December 27 - RAPSI. Russian prisoners have used video conference services more than 100,000 times in the past two years to speak with their relatives, Videodate Service administrator Vladislav Posokhin told RIA Novosti on Thursday.

"Since the service launched, we have installed video terminals in over 500 correctional facilities in 49 regions," he said. "More than 100,000 sessions have been conducted."

He noted that prisoners have spoken with their relatives more than 40,000 times this year. Around 5,000 sessions were held in the Moscow Region alone since March.

Computer Communication Systems CEO Mikhail Zhutkov said prices for the services vary from 150 ($4.89) to 300 rubles ($9.79) for every 15 minutes.

"As a rule, relatives pay, but prisoners can pay as well," he said.

The Videodate system was designed to hold video conference between prisoners and their relatives.