I think something like this would be really useful. I've seen services that provide this via a 3rd party hosted service but I don't trust someone at some random company not to read my messages.
... do you know how SMS works? Specifically that it is sent in plaintext for anyone who cares to listen anywhere along the path?
Maybe try Signal. It has a desktop app.
Yes. Does making a bad situation worse help anyone?
I'd use Signal/RedPhone if even 5% of my contact knew what that was.
<phone_number>@<your_provider's_sms_gateway>
For example, with Verizon:
8185551212@vtext.com
Doesn't address the self hosting part but this is an easy way to send SMS from a desktop/laptop.
I'm fine with that.
> The advantage of doing it via the carrier is that the phone is taken out of the loop and you're directly sending to the carrier via the internet.
The disadvantage of doing that is you than need to stay with that carrier. I'd rather be able to change if my carrier starts doing things that are shifty without needing to change the way I interact with my phone.