Oliver Drews, CEO of Telio Group and Founder of Connecting Hearts: “Our path forward is always in motion. This relentless pursuit of innovation keeps our business vibrant and engaging, proving that the future remains exciting and never dull with every challenge we tackle.”

Telio emerged in the 1990s in response to a pressing need within the correctional system: the absence of effective telecommunication solutions for incarcerated individuals. At that time, the lack of options to connect with family and loved ones created significant emotional and social barriers, hindering rehabilitation efforts and increasing the risk of recidivism. Recognizing this gap, Telio’s founders set out to create a platform that would not only bridge the communication divide but also foster an environment conducive to second chances. Driven by a blend of technological innovation and a humanitarian mission, Telio committed itself to enhancing life within correctional facilities and transforming prisons into environments of rehabilitation and reintegration.

Today, Telio stands as a global leader in providing advanced communication and digital solutions tailored for the correctional sector. Over the past 25 years, the company has revolutionized inmate telephony services, offering secure and controlled communication options, including traditional voice calls, video calls, and in-cell telephony. These services help inmates maintain vital family connections, which are essential for their emotional well-being and successful reintegration into society. Beyond communication, Telio delivers a suite of multimedia solutions such as television, movies, and other digital content designed specifically for correctional settings. The company also leads the way in digitizing administrative processes within prisons, offering secure software platforms that streamline tasks like service requests, medical scheduling, and appointment management. By replacing outdated, paper-based systems with modern digital tools, Telio improves efficiency while ensuring high-security standards.

Guided by its mission to enhance correctional environments, Telio continues to innovate, providing solutions that support rehabilitation, strengthen connections, and pave the way for second chances.

In conversation with Oliver Drews, CEO of Telio Group and Founder of Connecting Hearts

Q. Your product portfolio includes a variety of communication and media systems. Could you share more about how your latest innovations, such as the detection and neutralization of illicit wireless devices, are enhancing security in correctional facilities?

Illegal mobile phones cause significant issues in many facilities by enabling criminal activities. Until now, jamming was the solution against illegal mobile phones. Telio developed a brand-new technology based on neutralization. This approach uses a protocol attack solution that overcomes the physical limitations of classical jamming. For instance, it eliminates white spots within the prison area and prevents interference outside the prison site. Additionally, it allows for whitelisting guards’ phones and does not require installing jammers on the prison floors.

Telio’s solution provides a practical enhancement to prison security and device management by focusing on a targeted and intelligent approach. It is more cost-effective than outfitting an entire prison with a classical jamming solution.

Q. Telio is operational in over 650 facilities across 22 countries. How do you ensure that your solutions are tailored to meet the diverse regulatory and cultural requirements of different regions?

Telio’s headquarters is based in Hamburg, Germany, but we operate through local specialists in all the countries where we are active. As soon as we were in discussions with a potential new country, we brought on board local experts from that country familiar with the correctional system’s requirements. No other company globally has such deep knowledge of individual processes. In each country where we offer solutions, we always maintain an office staffed by a local specialist.

By incorporating insights from local stakeholders, Telio can ensure compliance with regional laws, respect cultural practices, and meet the specific operational needs of each facility.

Q. In your experience, what impact does improved communication access have on the rehabilitation process for inmates? Can you share any measurable outcomes or success stories from your clients?

Communication with loved ones profoundly impacts rehabilitation, providing stability and support as a significant motivator. Connectivity helps incarcerated people maintain healthy relationships, reduce stress, foster a positive mindset, and encourage participation in rehabilitation programs. Studies on inmate social ties and their effect on post-release outcomes indicate that regular family contact improves the likelihood of successful reintegration into society.

Feedback from prison officers indicates that cell-based communication reduces noise and tension in communal areas, creating a calmer environment. Additionally, inmates report feeling more connected and supported, leading to fewer disciplinary issues and a more cooperative attitude toward rehabilitation activities. These successes underscore that regular communication is not just a technical solution but a transformative tool that enhances correctional facilities’ overall atmosphere and effectiveness.

Q. Telio’s digital solutions are designed to streamline administrative workflows inside correctional facilities. What feedback have you received from facility staff regarding the efficiency and user-friendliness of your systems?

Imagine a correctional facility where streamlined digital processes replace burdensome paperwork, creating a more efficient and enhanced working environment.

Staff report overall positive responses to these digital improvements. Many noted that previously time-consuming tasks—such as managing inmate shop orders, scheduling doctor appointments, or processing visitation requests—were handled on paper, leading to errors and delays. Now, our digitization of these workflows has resulted in significant time and cost savings. The user-friendly interfaces and streamlined processes reduce administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus more on direct interactions with inmates and rehabilitation efforts. In times of frozen budgets, the substantial cost savings provided by digital solutions are more important than ever. Digital solutions are not commonly found in prisons. So why should those who work or live there be denied the chance to experience normalcy?

Q. With technology rapidly evolving, how is Telio preparing for the future? What are some of the key trends in communication and security technology that you are focusing on for the next few years?

The following 10 years will be dominated by integrating digital solutions in correctional institutions to restore normality. Moreover, I see the need for more efficient offender management systems (OMS) that ultimately guide all prison operations.

An OMS is a comprehensive digital framework designed to oversee and streamline offenders’ supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration through integrated data management, case tracking, and communication tools. Besides that, and based on the challenge of overcrowded prisons around the world—where some facilities operate at up to 150% of their intended capacity—we need totake more significant advantage of electronic monitoring (bracelets). A groupof inmates could be “incarcerated” at home.

To address future challenges, we intend to invest in advanced technologies, forge strategic partnerships, and concentrate on user-friendly solutions that simplify administrative tasks. Our path forward is always in motion. This relentless pursuit of innovation keeps our business vibrant and engaging, proving that the future remains exciting and never dull with every challenge we tackle.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

I’m genuinely excited about the future for both the Telio Group and our customers. For me, it’s not just about numbers or expansion—it’s about creating lasting value and positive experiences. Right now, we’re exploring opportunities to move into about a dozen new countries, and I can’t wait to see how our solutions might help correctional facilities worldwide. It feels like we’re on the verge of bringing something truly valuable to many more people, and that prospect is thrilling. At the same time, our team invested in shaping new products—next-generation digital solutions and improved Offender Management Systems—that we believe will change the game for many.

But beyond the technology and business growth, what really drives me is the chance to impact lives in a more profound way. Based on my observations while visiting prisons, I noticed the quiet challenges faced by children with incarcerated parents. Their experiences stayed with me, and I felt a responsibility to respond. This led me to establish the Connecting Hearts Foundation in 2022. My goal with the foundation is straightforward yet meaningful: to ensure these children feel seen, supported, and cared for. I want them to have the stability and opportunities they deserve.

I believe that by combining our efforts in technological advancements with genuine empathy and community support, we can build a future that’s not only smarter but also kinder and more inclusive. It’s this vision that truly excites me every single day.

Meet the leader behind the success of Telio

Oliver Drews is the visionary CEO of Telio, a company dedicated to transforming correctional facilities into environments of opportunity and rehabilitation. Guided by the philosophy that “no vision is too big,” Oliver’s leadership is rooted in resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to social impact.

Under his guidance, the Telio Group has become a trailblazer in creating solutions that support second chances and enable positive change. Oliver places immense value on collaboration and the collective strength of a passionate, open-minded team. He actively fosters a culture of critical thinking, innovation, and constructive feedback, inspiring his colleagues to push boundaries and drive meaningful progress.

Through Telio, Oliver Drews continues to redefine the role of technology in correctional systems, demonstrating that bold vision and steadfast determination can create lasting societal transformation.

“We are proud to support correctional institutions through our modern, socially responsible solutions. Our work reflects a dedication to making a positive impact, ensuring that our technology contributes to safer, more humane environments.”