I’ve looked into VoIP numbers before, such as JMP chat as it it is one of the few if not the only one that can be used outside of US or Canada among privacy VoIP providers(MySudo, Cloaked etc.). But I will still need mobile data and any plans less than 30GB just doesn’t cut it, so I’m still forced to use my local ISP where they provide loads of data.
My thought was to get a VoIP number from JMP(hopefully it works it course), and register all the services that needs a phone number to work. And use a register a new SIM to disconnect my old phone number to only use it for mobile data.
But I wonder if using the VoIP to register the services, wouldn’t that just tie my identity to this other phone number anyways, since some services have KYC(although I am trying to register another account without the KYC part since it is only for specific service they provide aside from their main service)
Help me understand this a little about alias phone numbers. Thank you!
Yes, but that VoIP number is not inherently tied to your IMSI, and by extension all cellular network activity on your phone.
What specific privacy concerns do you have? What is your threat model? Linking you between services by databrokers, sim swapping, data breaches, cellular tracking?
It could be beneficial to use a consistent phone number between financial institutions because they will already share the data all around and it could help you use those services easier, they might treat you nicer.
If you are just signing up for sites that ask for a phone number once you could use SMSPool.
Mainly to not have some services that strictly requires phone numbers, IE WhatsApp etc. to have a phone number that is tied directly to me.
I don’t mind having sim card, but I prefer it to only be used for data purposes so it’ll be a prepaid card. And have something else for everything services that requires phone number. And if need be might when get a second sim only for registration when VoIP furent work, don’t know if it’s viable though
Just my two cents: For most people, that level of setup is probably overkill. It’s really only necessary if you are a journalist, whistleblower, or living in a high-surveillance environment.
If you’re just looking for better privacy without the headache, a simpler approach might work better: grab a budget Pixel, install GrapheneOS for a secure base, and reserve your real number strictly for work and close friends. That gives you 90% of the security without the complexity of managing multiple SIMs.
But I want a seperate number for WhatsApp and Telegram. Unfortunately will not be able to ditch these as my country is practically run by WhatsApp. That’s why I’m searching for ways to deal with that. Unless the solution could be as simple as getting another sim card solely for the purpose of having a real phone number(without VoIP risks) for registration purposes
If you’re able to just use the second SIM for the initial registration and then switch your WhatsApp/Telegram to use WiFi, you won’t need a big data plan for it at all. It’s a simple way to keep those apps separate without the VoIP headaches.
I think you nailed it. I think there’s a diminishing returns at some point. It’s like with email and the constant worry about it. Cellular connections and emails are inherently not private. Just understand that and limit what you do, and that will mitigate against most threats.
Yeah, using a VoIP or alias number mostly just helps separate identities and reduce how widely your real SIM number gets shared around. For less important signups, some people also use temporary or rental numbers. I have been using this WantSMS for temporary numbers, to do sign ups on some website and apps.