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General discussion

2nd phone number for smartphones

Sep 13, 2018 9:00AM PDT

I found this article on CNET. I am trying to choose the best service for my needs.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/apps-that-give-your-phone-a-second-number/

I can't tell for sure which services in the article are dependent on the internet and which aren't. I want to be independent of the internet. I would like to have calling and texting, including picture texting, and voicemail. I am using a Samsung S6, and currently using Cricket Wireless.

Burt

Discussion is locked

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The problem is you need to detail what would make it best.
Sep 13, 2018 10:07AM PDT

Just asking for best isn't enough. I use Ting.com and for my second phone I'm on a free FreedomPop SIM. I've had the FreedomPop for about 2 years and total cost over 2 years has been the cost of the SIM at 10 dollars. I carried both phones on a 3,500 mile road trip from San Diego to Vancouver Island BC, Canada and coverage was great. Besides Canada I only found service to drop 2 times. Once in somewhere in Pocatello Idado and a remote beach in Washington. In both cases, service came back on both phones when I walked back to a parking lot.

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Looking for a 2nd number on the same phone.
Sep 13, 2018 11:05AM PDT

I don't want a 2nd phone. I want two different number on the same phone. I listed the CNET article, and would like to hear back about the apps in the article.

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I opted for a second phone.
Sep 13, 2018 11:18AM PDT
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About independent of the Internet.
Sep 13, 2018 11:22AM PDT

The apps DEPEND on the Internet to get them and even the one I use had me use the Internet to get the SIM.

How independent must this be? My FreedomPop SIM can go into another phone I have that holds TWO SIMS. So I can get two numbers in one phone today and the Pop system doesn't need an internet connection to call.

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Re: About independent of the Internet.
Sep 13, 2018 11:31AM PDT

I want to be able to use the second number wherever I am, without the internet? Is that possible, or do I need a 2nd phone? How much does FreedomPop cost per month for two numbers? Does it work with any cellular service?

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Let's talk about my FreedomPop.
Sep 13, 2018 12:29PM PDT

I have the FreedomPop "free" "basic" "Whatsapp" ZERO DOLLAR A MONTH OR YEAR PLAN.
I don't have to use the Internet at all once I put in the SIM. Since I have a phone with TWO SIM SLOTS I can choose which SIM to use and it works just like any other phone. There are limits but it's all about minutes and number of texts which is described in the FreedomPop site so I don't need to duplicate that here.

So no Internet after I bought the SIM. I have used the Internet to check remaining balances which I can use the FreedomPop app as well. But I don't have to have an Internet connection. Just call, receive calls, text just like I do with my Ting plan and SIM.

So the cost for TWO numbers is same as my Ting plan and my FreedomPop plan. Ting has variable pricing which I won't get into here. But last month was 22 dollars for two phones. My wife's phone is on my plan.

-> NO CARRIER I know of uses more than one cellular service. Ting uses the Tmoblile or Sprint (I prefer the Tmobile system) and FreedomPop on my SIM appears to use the ATT network. I could be wrong but you can research that.

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Since I have a phone with dual SIM capability.
Sep 13, 2018 12:34PM PDT

I think I can do what you are asking for. Any BURNER app will have to use the Internet to handle getting the number, activation and more.

I hope all this information is helpful but maybe you are unicorn hunting. I can't be sure. Be sure not to leave out any detail so everyone can help here.

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Re: Since I have a phone with dual SIM capability
Sep 13, 2018 4:08PM PDT

You answered my question. I got a number from Flyp, but the sound on my first call was very distorted.

Burt