Ask HN: What is an alternative to SMS? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What is an alternative to SMS?

2 pointssreenadh8 comments

I am trouble phrasing the right question, so please let me explain.

For while now, I am communicating via google chat, skype & emails(gmail & hotmail). I do not use SMS and my voice calls are via skype. Recently I got locked out of my alternative Yahoo email address and could not receive SMS as the number was not with me anymore.

I just keep changing my number if I get a better offer or I am in a different country. Right now I split my time between two countries and I do not have a permanent number as international roaming is expensive. I just take a mobile package with data and do not bother about the voice or SMS. But now growing number of services need you to have a mobile number attached to the email account and they keep smsing codes as a part of security on each log in.

Is there any way I can do away the need for SMS or some online service that can receive SMS???

For old technologies falling in disuse, like fax, there's an opportunity in the trailing edge to providing it as a service thru the internet.

You can have a fax number, and any fax sent to that number will be forwarded to you as an attachment in an email.

Similarly, there are services providing you with a phone number to receive SMS messages and forward them by email:

https://www.raymond.cc/blog/top-10-sites-receive-sms-online-...

Can't you simply get a permanent/alternative number from Google Voice? https://www.google.com/voice

This. With Hangouts integration, your SMS will appear alongside your Gmail chats. Super easy.

I use telegram it's an app and it works great cross platforms. The other option is Skype it's a little buggy but more people have it and most are comfortable using it.

Is there a reason you don't bother transferring your number to the new provider when you switch (to another provider in the same country)?

Number portability is a hassle. The feature is just available as the Govt forced it but the providers are not interested in people using the service.

I guess this depends on where you are, USA I assume?

Certainly in Europe changing providers and moving your number around is a commonplace activity.

voip.ms offers inbound sms on sip calls. $1 a month for a # and then you can use csipsimple or other voip software

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