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Ask HN: What is an alternative to SMS?

2 points by sreenadh ↗ HN
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???

8 comments

[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 30.4 ms ] thread
therealidiot
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)?
sreenadh
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.
stevekemp
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.

informatimago
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-...

taprun
Can't you simply get a permanent/alternative number from Google Voice? https://www.google.com/voice
archagon
This. With Hangouts integration, your SMS will appear alongside your Gmail chats. Super easy.
anthony_barker
voip.ms offers inbound sms on sip calls. $1 a month for a # and then you can use csipsimple or other voip software
brandonlipman
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.