Systems and methods for blockchain wireless services in a controlled environment

A method for managing commissary transactions in a controlled environment using blockchain and smart contracts, comprising:

• a computer managing storage of pre-bought tokens in an account on behalf of a first holder of a first wireless communications device, the computer further comprising one of the first wireless communications device and a second wireless communications device associated with a second holder;
• the computer receiving an instruction to allocate a first quantity of the tokens to an imminent transaction associated with the first holder;
• the computer creating a smart contract describing the transaction and inserting the contract into a blockchain;
• the computer inserting the first quantity of the tokens into the smart contract upon receipt of advice that the transaction has proceeded,
• the computer releasing the first quantity of tokens to a commissary associated with the controlled environment;
• and
• the computer propagating at least one blockchain ledger update describing the transaction.

A system for token management in a controlled environment supported by a blockchain, comprising:

• a first device comprising at least one of a computer and a wireless device in possession of an inmate of a controlled environment;
• a blockchain stored at least in the first device;
• and
• a token system application stored in the first device that when executed:
• manages storage of pre-bought tokens in accounts of holders of communications devices associated with the controlled environment,
• releases the pre-bought tokens from the accounts in payment for goods and services transactions entered into by the holders, the transactions documented by smart contracts inserted into the blockchain,
• selectively modifies transaction fees as one of incentives to the holders to execute the transactions and generate revenues for the controlled environment, and
• promotes processing and handling of at least one of new tokens and the pre-bought tokens by selected holders to further generate revenues and defray expenses associated at least with operation of the system.