I had a similar question a while back and ended up with Voip.ms.
this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2025
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@cabhan @wolfinthewoods I actually use both VOIP.ms and JMP.Chat. Useful to have two numbers, but also find the services complementary. If I had to choose one, probably would choose JMP.Chat as I like their mission and vision more, and its more user friendly.
I ditched my carriers about a year or so ago. Ported two numbers over to JMP.chat and all has been good. Contacts integration and using the standard Phone to make calls works well. Agreed, too, the support is great. Nice bunch of folks.
There's a few guides or articles that might be helpful.
How to Replace Your Carrier on Android Using These Fully Open-Source Tools
Set up your Internet Phone Number (JMP.chat) with Cheogram
Dialer integration is possible using the Cheogram client but the monocles chat client is now based on Cheogram & Conversations so one could use that also. It might have a few extra options/features.
I've used Voip.ms for probably a decade. Solid company and when I had a problem with a service, I was pissed enough with how their support handled it to send an email to the CEO and he got back to me, and had the problem solved the way I wanted it. But tickets are almost always fixed up quick and I never felt like I wasn't valuable even though I don't give them a lot of money.
+1
I have done this successfully with JMP. Started with a test number that I still use as a burner for online services that require a phone number. It worked well enough that I ported my main cell # over.
JMP did look like it was much more straightforward to setup than VoIP.ms. The configuration of VoIP.ms looked pretty bewildering from reading the wiki. My only concern with JMP was the minutes. From what I read it said it was unlimited text but only 120 min/month. Is that accurate?
Yes. I don’t really use more than 120 min per month. Most of the folks I call use Signal for voice.
Ah, that's a clever way to circumvent minutes. Signal can only call other Signal users, right? So, if I wanted to call my mom, for instance, she'd need to get Signal? It's been a sec since I used it.
Yarp. Signal has a handy invite contacts thingy too. And you can do video chat like FaceTime.
ninja edit: jmp customer service has been phenomenal
A week ago I went to use my Skype and was super frustrated to see that Microsoft took my credit balance, now Skype demands a subscription model. I tried a few other companies but the only one with a PAYG model that suited my basic needs was KeepCalling. I'm impressed with their prices, transparency (privacy model) and also it's been super easy to use so far.
Does KeepCalling have SMS included?
As far as I know they do, they were offering it as a competitive rate and all when I signed up, but it wasn't a main concern for me. I know that you can use it and set a caller ID if you need to, the SMS function was a handy option for two factor checks so I went with them. I'd say as a Pay as you go option it was worth a try, although reading a few reviews online, some mentioned that the call clarity could be an issue, no problems here though.
Edit: after reading the other comments I'm going to take JMP for a spin
After looking around their website I found the info on SMS. I do like that it has a minimum pay of $5, both VoIP.ms and JMP require $15 to start. Although, I saw for SMS KeepCalling directs you to their app on the play store. I wonder if it is possible to use their SMS service with a third party app? I would like to avoid using apps from the Play Store if I can help it. Otherwise, it might be a viable option to try out with such a low barrier to entry. I'm still leaning JMP since it seems like the easiest to setup and use between mobile and desktop (MX Linux in my case, using the Gajim app).