Non-Carrier/Internet Mobile Number ?

Widget on 15/05/2024 - 18:05

Hi guys,

Anyone know if there's any cheap trustworthy services online for a second (Aus) phone number without having to go through a carrier?

At some point my main number has been compromised now 90% of my incoming calls are spam/Chinese type calls. I'm considering getting a new number, but in future I'd like a second number (throw away) I can use when buying online or verifying accounts etc…

I had a 2nd ALDI long expiry number when I was using Telegram, but ended up forgetting about it, losing the money I had on it. I don't want to have to remember to put the 2nd sim into my phone to get verification codes or to use up the credit. I end up using the $15PAYG ALDI credit in about 3months, mostly txting/calling family members. Spending $15 on a 2nd number that likely won't get used for anything else is a bit too costly.

Does such a thing exist? Are there internet phone numbers that can be had for cheap (like a couple of $) or such thing, or are my options limited & have to just use a long expiry pre-paid account?

Phone is a Samsung Galaxy S9+ (non dual sim).

Mobile

Comments

  • askbargain on 15/05/2024 - 18:15

    why are you calling/texting with your second number?

    • Widget on 15/05/2024 - 18:21

      I don't, but if I got another $15/365 expiry sim, not using it seems to be a waste, so I'd probably use it for the sake of not letting the $15 go to waste (not that I have anyone to call/txt). Was hoping to find a provider for a non-carrier phone number (internet phone number? not sure on their exact name) that would cost a lot less just to have the number that I can use to get certain txt sent to that instead of my primary number.

      • mskeggs on 15/05/2024 - 21:22
        +1

        Think of it as $1.33 per month number rental.
        There is no way to get a phone number in Australia except via a mobile or fixed carrier, or somebody who resells carrier services. To get access to the number pool you need a carrier licence.

        • Widget on 17/05/2024 - 12:01

          What about overseas number, like USA or NZ. Are they usually accepted by online retailers (in aus) IF you absolutely need a number? Would that be a possible route, or unlikely to work?

  • boomramada on 15/05/2024 - 18:24

    Skype

    • elusive on 15/05/2024 - 18:30
      +1

      $72/yr?

  • elusive on 15/05/2024 - 18:26
    +1

    Hm, how long do you expect to keep that phone for? Most new phones are now dual-SIM (eSIM at least) which means you can use the Amaysim $10 PAYG.

    Your only other option would be a VOIP number, which will cost significantly more.

    • Widget on 17/05/2024 - 12:03

      Until it breaks pretty much. If my Galaxy S3 was still working, I'd still being using that lol. I got the S9+ as a hand-me-down, so will keep it until it too fails.

      What's a voip number usually go for & are there an Ozbargain favorite providers ?

      • elusive on 17/05/2024 - 20:05

        The problem is you can't just have any VOIP number (DID), you need a mobile one specifically for SMS to work. So where a local 02 number might be $1/month, a mobile 04 one is more like $8/month (plus a base $1/month for the service). e.g. https://crazytel.com.au/inbound/Numbers/

  • cloudmonk on 15/05/2024 - 18:29

    Dual sim is the way to go.

    • Widget on 17/05/2024 - 12:04

      No dual sim phone unfortunately, though ideally, a cheaper number (less the amaysim $10) would also be ideal. Ill find it hard to utilize even the little credit it comes with.

  • donga100 on 15/05/2024 - 21:31

    New number won't help. Those scam calls are being dialed by a computer that calls every possible combination of numbers and flags which ones get answered to later be called by a human scammer.

    • Widget on 17/05/2024 - 12:07

      True, though I suspect a bulk of my spam calls are from providing my number to certain retailers. I've never answered the calls, I always screen the number. If its unknown, I dont answer, though I suspect going to voice mail doesn't help as it technically answers the call.

  • donga100 on 20/05/2024 - 16:58

    Instead of a new number, why not a new Pixel phone that can screen the calls for you?
    https://support.google.com/phoneapp/answer/9118387?hl=en

    • Widget on 20/05/2024 - 19:22

      I always screen the calls when they come through. If I don't recognise the call, I don't pickup. Only a small percentage of the time they leave a voice mail which is Chinese speaking, but all the phone numbers that call are Australian numbers :/.

      • donga100 on 20/05/2024 - 20:08

        Pixel can screen the calls for you by answering them and having an AI assistant speak to them and ask a few questions before deciding whether to let it actually ring on your phone.

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