I need to be able to get a local number.
757 sats \ 2 replies \ @davidw 28 Dec 2023
Seems there is Jmp.chat, which can be paid using on-chain BTC. Bit of a clunky process to get setup though.
- Encrypted at all points, except for IF/WHEN it touches the phone network (between their carrier and whichever carrier you're communicating with). Same for calls as it is with SMS.
- The thing about VOIP is, all VOIP communications ultimately go through the telephone or cellular network. This means that every conversation you have is no different from a regular phone call and is going to be recorded and transcribed by governments of both the caller & recipient.
- Even if your provider is privacy-preserving and "safe", that of the other party is not. Same for SMSs that touch the telephone network. That is always a problem regardless of which phone service you're using, which its why its best to avoid cellular network wherever possible.
- E2E encryption is supported if the person/company who you are communicating with is also using a XMPP-client. Say if they are also using Jmp.chat. Similar to MySudo if both parties use the provider (who don't accept BTC btw), then your communications will be secure.
- In some instances, might just be easier to get an eSim or a kyc-free local SIM.
- Not used any of these services myself yet, but for now just sharing what I found after some digging.
A few more useful resources:
- https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/5936-voip-vs-sim-for-privacy
- https://blog.jmp.chat/b/signup-with-cheogram-android
- https://kb.above.im/jmp-chat/
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0 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford OP 28 Dec 2023
Great answer. I'm trying to help someone else that needs a local phone number but doesn't want to use their main number. They don't want to change it over and over they just really want some isolation. I'm aware of the issues with phone calls and SMS networks but thanks for explaining how this applies to VOIP.
Privacy is NOT the main goal here but I am trying to find a good provider that is more private than the rest. This was very helpful. Thank you!
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33 sats \ 0 replies \ @davidw 28 Dec 2023
My pleasure. Helped me learn a few new things also.
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954 sats \ 1 reply \ @elysia 28 Dec 2023
Doesn’t exist
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford OP 28 Dec 2023
Might make sense to just suggest a good VOIP provider since the privacy is compromised anyway. They need the number for a business. Privacy is just one of many factors.
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10 sats \ 0 replies \ @gd 28 Dec 2023
Also very interested in finding this
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