Being discreet using technology and not breaking the bank

[fvharddrive]

I like to keep communication with services providers separate from my personal or work phones. Free Texting Apps allow one to have a unique number for SMS messages, but the calling rate for my app is $0.08/min, and the app is littered with ads, and I have to use the mobile app (no web version available for when I'm behind a computer). There may be other apps that accomplish this, I just haven't bothered looking too much.

Today I've setup something more elaborate that allows me to:

• send and receive SMS messages from my computer or phone
• make outbound calls with unique/valid caller id and accept incoming calls (when I want to)
• allow me to use my existing physical phone (while having a 2nd number)
• calls can be received or sent via a phone, tablet, SIP handset, or computer
• Calls to/from canada are as low as $0.0052/min

I was able to accomplish this cost effectively primarily by signing up with voip.ms. Using their service, I was able to purchase a phone number (I chose an aldergrove one at the cost of $0.85/month, $0.0090/min), and then I downloaded an app for my phone (Zoiper, although others will work too), followed the online help from voip.ms, and was up and running. I had to configure outbound caller id, and enable their SMS feature as well. I can send an SMS from my phone or the vois.ms website's SMS message centre. When I receive an SMS, I've configured it to go to an email account. When you reply to the email, the voip.ms service sends your reply just like an SMS message with the caller id you configured. (This, in my opinion, is better than vanilla SMS because it's easier to get email on a variety of devices than SMS messages).

The only limitation I've found, so far, is the SMS system doesn't support MMS message (so you can't send/receive pictures via the text/SMS system).

I prepaid $25 in the account, and based on the low calling rate, it should last me a while. There's no contract/obligation. The only monthly fee is my dedicated/unique phone number, which is $0.85/month, which is deducted from my prepaid balance. If you want to get fancy, you can elect to record your calls, have on-hold music, create an IVR, setup voicemail, forward calls to another number, and more. It's like a phone system, but it's $0.85/month/phone number & cheap calling rates. It may be overkill for many, but it meets my needs of having a separate number without adding devices.

 

[Cliffy Ronaldo]

very cool. Thanks for the tip.

 

[fvharddrive]

Miss Hunter...thanks for your input.

When a local number appears (like 778, 604) on their phone's caller ID, how do they know it's a VoIP number?

The numbers from the provider I mentioned are legit numbers can can be transferred to a cell phone, land line, etc.

On a side note, why do you think SPs don't wish to work with clients who desire discretion by avoiding VoIP numbers? I understand not answering blocked numbers, and perhaps wanting the ability to call their client back to provide some assurances, which is why I would use a service which allows for inbound calls. I think both parties should feel safe and privacy respected.

 

[fvharddrive]

thank you for some insight as to the reasoning. It's good to know the reasons. I have no doubts being an SP comes with risks and can be scary at times. It sounds like sometimes the client is put into scary situations too based on some stories I've read.

 

[Larry Storch]

And now for some paranoia:

Sending all of that info between several different devices and having it stored at several different locations makes it difficult to keep track of and delete when necessary. Rather than do this and go through the whole configuration process, just get a cheap phone from 7-11. You can put $25.00 on it and that amount is good for one year.
No monthly top ups unless you use it for calls.
Unlimited texting.
No app/VOIP number which most ladies will view as suspicious.

 

[Aesthetics>all]

I Can't be the only person with 4 or more phones

 

[saltywetguy]

I Can't be the only person with 4 or more phones

LOL, I have about the same or more....

Many ladies won't book clients who use app #s or VOIP #s.

That's true, I use VOIP #'s and book by TEXT. I usually don't call unless it's required for the booking.
Some providers now only TEXT and don't take calls as it's a call/phone girl who handles everything for them.

 

[McDiver]

And now for some paranoia:

Sending all of that info between several different devices and having it stored at several different locations makes it difficult to keep track of and delete when necessary. Rather than do this and go through the whole configuration process, just get a cheap phone from 7-11. You can put $25.00 on it and that amount is good for one year.
No monthly top ups unless you use it for calls.
Unlimited texting.
No app/VOIP number which most ladies will view as suspicious.

You actually pay for every text you send.

 

[hankmoody]

Many ladies won't book clients who use app #s or VOIP #s.

Yet many sp's are using them??

 

[saltywetguy]

You actually pay for every text you send.

Yes, with Speakout there is a charge for text sent out. It is a great option, I use Speakout for calls and use an app for texting.
I would recommend speakout as an option if you need to call the lady. There's no ID required and it's a "throw away phone #".