Post B2xeAmoHVtsYR48ZUG by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
 (DIR) More posts by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
 (DIR) Post #B2x6sWqCqlZ7D0iwr2 by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-03T18:21:27.948554Z
       
       2 likes, 2 repeats
       
       I still won't have to say this, as I use a Voice Over IP provider from my laptop and mobile hotspot for calls and texts. I can use my desktop computers at home and work, too. I am not tied to a single device. I have zero stress about losing or damaging "my phone". My every move is NOT tracked by "Smart Phone" apps. Follow me for me privacy and tech tips. #retro #privacy #tech
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x7fEhR5Wyt8LqaSu by binkle@clubcyberia.co
       2026-02-03T18:31:04.418641Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @matthew any providers you'd recommend?
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x7qYZvWG5fyLjVDs by prettygood@socially.drinkingatmy.computer
       2026-02-03T18:33:06.723596Z
       
       3 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @binkle @matthew jmp.chat is a bet for $5/mo, all you need is a working reliable XMPP gateway.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x7xH1z9tiNZq3miG by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-03T18:34:19.073382Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       I use phone.com ... not sure that I'd recommend them strongly, but it works for me. Their web interface can be a bit clunky. I was also looking into OpenPhone.com, but looks like they've rebranded to quo.com and are heavily investing in "AI", which I am not as interested in. So phone.com works for me, but I would also be interested in learning about alternative services that offer something similar.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x82R9UxJrYPo2Iqm by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-03T18:35:16.370488Z
       
       2 likes, 1 repeats
       
       I haven't wanted to try jmp.chat, but haven't yet. Thanks for the reminder.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x86lF6CbaFsmiYmu by prettygood@socially.drinkingatmy.computer
       2026-02-03T18:36:02.125659Z
       
       2 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew @binkle getting SMS messages as an XMPP message is so very nice
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x873NCnClO78eHvE by mitchconner@clubcyberia.co
       2026-02-03T18:36:05.478564Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @matthew @binkle I used to know about a service that offered SIP and bridge MMS to Jabber but I forget the name now
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x894zTkaeRi2W7Qu by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-03T18:36:28.324910Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       probably jmp.chat
       
 (DIR) Post #B2x8ho6gW2grTrRm4m by souldessin@noauthority.social
       2026-02-03T18:42:20Z
       
       3 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @prettygood @binkle @matthew I'm using JMP as well. It's great. There is a minor connection delay, but other than that, it's worked fine for me. And just like you guys, it's wonderful being able to go to any computer, sit down and text and call anyone and everyone without worrying.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xBzrN5PtoSgFQ0XY by Bernard@friends.ravergram.club
       2026-02-03T19:19:24Z
       
       2 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew @binkle @prettygood VOIP.ms is another good alternative now that they have their own app. Numbers are about $1/month, but they have KYC.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xFWaoyGqpKlllGF6 by surfhosting@mastodon.pirateparty.be
       2026-02-03T19:58:27Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew meanwhile my "phone" hasn't talked to US cell towers in years due to being a Poco F1. I still (very rarely) use it as an actual phone on wifi though. but when I'm somewhere with my dedicated wifi phone, I prefer using that. the Poco is really just a handheld computer at this point.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xbAqBMfx0t23GiLA by ThewTheKooky@noauthority.social
       2026-02-03T23:57:34Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @matthew That's not true. If your parents got you a personal line, grounding meant its removal.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xbArcLL8BhU0tm1w by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-04T00:01:41.871609Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       I can see that. Though the phrase to describe that may have been "I lost my phone privileges".Though the word "privileges" was more likely to be used by your parents than you.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xd6Gcf8yAzUmz3p2 by TruckDriver@truckdriver.social
       2026-02-04T00:23:19.953982Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       I would say you are tied to whatever device you use for your internet access for your VOIP use...
       
 (DIR) Post #B2xeAmoHVtsYR48ZUG by matthew@social.retroedge.tech
       2026-02-04T00:35:19.406871Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Can be used with any internet connection, so even if I lose my wifi hotspot or it stops working, I can just connect another way (on someone else's wifi while I am out). When I am in my office or home, I use the wired ISP, which is fast and reliable.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2yp7fSRgZTVPzbCro by ReadyKilowatt@noauthority.social
       2026-02-04T07:11:48Z
       
       1 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @matthew Watch for open box SIP phones from Grandstream and Yealink. There will be extras from big jobs they put up for cheap. I picked up several handsets for the house for under $50 and a WiFi handset for $80. Sometimes slamming a receiver down on the hook is necessary.