Any experience to share with Hushed or other 'burner/throwaway' phone number systems?

[rhonda]

CultofMac sent out a deal today on Hushed Private Phone Line, a provider of 'additional phone number' used as a burner or throwaway number. I'm considering the deal ($25/one-time-fee for lifetime subscription) for an old cell phone that no longer has a SIM to use as a VoIP phone.

My intended application: Assign this to an old cell phone that no longer has a SIM; support calls and text messaging over the guest WiFi account at home. This would allow me to disconnect my aging "landline" equipment (Panasonic Wireless handsets/base station) and service (AT&T cellular home phone).

The Hushed subscription includes sufficient voice minutes and text messaging to exceed my intended usage.

Anyone care to share their experiences with either this service or similar? Thx!

 

[taterhed]

Hmm.

Well, it's about time to drop your 'landline' which I'm sure you're paying big $$$ for.
But.

Most people don't get a number that's 'temporary' or 'carrier owned' for a replacement line. The carrier could then hold you at ransom for your number. Unless you like switching numbers frequently.....

If it's a romantic fling, drug deals or secret 'cartel' work....then I think you're on the right track.

not sure if Hushed will give you permanent ownership or portability with the assigned number.

 

[rhonda]

Rob, LOL ... thank you for the fresh perspective and humor.

FWIW, the "land line" is an AT&T's Wireless Home Phone Service (cellular receiver connected to our old Panasonic wireless base+handsets); $14/m. We've had the number for only 13 years and don't use it. I don't mind losing that number. The only person who uses this line is neighbor who lives an "off-grid with some help from neighbors" lifestyle. That line is never answered ... used for outgoing calls only.

BUT ... as I considered the idea yesterday, I think I'll have some technical challenges recycling the retired smartphone so that it is "locked down" restricted only to phoning through that one app. Hmmm.

It might be better to stick with my original plan, as already presented to the neighbor: "Sorry the handset batteries are bugging you. When they die we have no plans to replace them. We intend to simply toss them out and disconnect the phone line."

 

[DaveNV]

I'm intrigued by your idea, but not sure of the usage you'd have. If the current line is never answered, and is only used for outgoing calls, why not just use a prepaid cell phone? VOIP phones are great, but as I understand it, if the power goes out, and therefore no internet, you have no service. Not to mention, if using your Guest Wifi connection, you're locked into keeping that service. Am I missing something?

My home security alarm has a cell module attached that uses a cell carrier to make calls. That way, if the phone line to the house is ever cut or is otherwise out of service, the alarm can still call out when needed. Issue with that is it's on a battery backup that may also run down, if power is out long enough. Haven't figured a valid solution to that, although long period power failures at our house are rare. But at least having the cell module allowed us to cut the land line years ago.

Dave

 

[bogey21]

Well, it's about time to drop your 'landline' which I'm sure you're paying big $$$ for.

I've never added up what I saved but I gave up my landline way back in 1998. I guess that is 21 years of not paying for something I didn't need...

George

 

[SmithOp]

I use Google Voice for a free voip phone number. I like it because international calls are 2 cents a minute to most countries. It links to my cell and sends text when I get a message. To make outgoing calls I use the app on my cell phone, I can make/take calls anywhere I have a wifi connection.


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[Ken555]

I use Google Voice for a free voip phone number. I like it because international calls are 2 cents a minute to most countries. It links to my cell and sends text when I get a message. To make outgoing calls I use the app on my cell phone, I can make/take calls anywhere I have a wifi connection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

^^THIS




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[WinniWoman]

I'm intrigued by your idea, but not sure of the usage you'd have. If the current line is never answered, and is only used for outgoing calls, why not just use a prepaid cell phone? VOIP phones are great, but as I understand it, if the power goes out, and therefore no internet, you have no service. Not to mention, if using your Guest Wifi connection, you're locked into keeping that service. Am I missing something?

My home security alarm has a cell module attached that uses a cell carrier to make calls. That way, if the phone line to the house is ever cut or is otherwise out of service, the alarm can still call out when needed. Issue with that is it's on a battery backup that may also run down, if power is out long enough. Haven't figured a valid solution to that, although long period power failures at our house are rare. But at least having the cell module allowed us to cut the land line years ago.

Dave

We have our security system on the whole house generator for when the power goes out.

 

[rhonda]

I'm intrigued by your idea, but not sure of the usage you'd have. If the current line is never answered, and is only used for outgoing calls, why not just use a prepaid cell phone?

Because the prepaid cell phone has an ongoing cost and the Hushed special is $25/one time fee (lifetime subscription)?

VOIP phones are great, but as I understand it, if the power goes out, and therefore no internet, you have no service. Not to mention, if using your Guest Wifi connection, you're locked into keeping that service. Am I missing something?

Our power goes out quite frequently. I have my internet device and router on battery backup. From experience, it can go about 3 days before needing a recharge. This works well unless the cell tower also goes out. (That, too, has happened for our 'protection' during some of the big fire storms.)

Edited to add: The phone line in discussion isn't for our use. We have our individual cell phones on multiple carriers. Our main home # (from a different property) is on Ooma which rolls over to those cells if not answered at the main location and allows us to make calls from our cells that use the main #.

Edit #2: The Guest WiFi is simply split from our main connection by the router. The router advertises multiple networks. We keep our TV, irrigation controller and other chatty devices on the Guest network.

My home security alarm has a cell module attached that uses a cell carrier to make calls. That way, if the phone line to the house is ever cut or is otherwise out of service, the alarm can still call out when needed. Issue with that is it's on a battery backup that may also run down, if power is out long enough. Haven't figured a valid solution to that, although long period power failures at our house are rare. But at least having the cell module allowed us to cut the land line years ago.

Dave

Again, my "landline" really is cellular ... provisioned back to our old handsets using a cute little black box of some sort.

 

[rhonda]

I use Google Voice for a free voip phone number. I like it because international calls are 2 cents a minute to most countries. It links to my cell and sends text when I get a message. To make outgoing calls I use the app on my cell phone, I can make/take calls anywhere I have a wifi connection.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks for the idea ... I don't have an account with Google and have, thus, avoided using their services except for search. What I don't like about the posted idea is that there is some sort of ongoing financial responsibility (re: international calls). My neighbor likes to play "dumb" to charges, "When did dialing 411 carry a fee??" And, I'm back to that problem of how to set up the device to restrict use only to the chosen wifi calling app. I'm thinking I'd like the device not to have any tie back to me or my accounts, etc. (The problem first entered my mind when I figured I couldn't even download the Hushed app from the iOS app store w/out having an iCloud account??) Maybe an Amazon Fire device would be more liberal?

 

[DaveNV]

Rhonda, thanks for your explanation. I understand better now.

In researching this process, I noticed your link to the Hushed page says it's Android and iPhone compatible. But in digging a bit deeper, I saw this: https://hushed.com/reviews/2nd-line-review/ It says it's not iOS compatible. Is that the same thing you're looking at?

Dave

 

[rhonda]

Rhonda, thanks for your explanation. I understand better now.

In researching this process, I noticed your link to the Hushed page says it's Android and iPhone compatible. But in digging a bit deeper, I saw this: https://hushed.com/reviews/2nd-line-review/ It says it's not iOS compatible. Is that the same thing you're looking at?

Dave

Hmmm ... when I click on my link in the original post, it takes me to a CultofMac deal for 'Hushed.' The link in your post goes to a product called 2nd Line. Seems like two entirely different products? Hushed claims iPhone compatibility and their support page also claims it works on wifi-only tablets. The Apple Store shows, "Compatibility: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch."

I think we are looking at different products. Sorry my original link is redirecting somewhere in error ... ??

Edited to add: So looking at your link ... I guess Hushed.com has multiple products aimed at similar goals? 2nd Line is a different product from the service offered on the current CoM deal??

Edited a 2nd time: I think the review in your link is a jab at a competitive product. That is, 2nd Line is not from or related to the Hushed product(s).

 

[DaveNV]

Hmmm ... when I click on my link in the original post, it takes me to a CultofMac deal for 'Hushed.' The link in your post goes to a product called 2nd Line. Seems like two entirely different products? Hushed claims iPhone compatibility and their support page also claims it works on wifi-only tablets. The Apple Store shows, "Compatibility: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch."

I think we are looking at different products. Sorry my original link is redirecting somewhere in error ... ??

Edited to add: So looking at your link ... I guess Hushed.com has multiple products aimed at similar goals? 2nd Line is a different product from the service offered on the current CoM deal??

Edited a 2nd time: I think the review in your link is a jab at a competitive product. That is, 2nd Line is not from or related to the Hushed product(s).

Ok. Thanks. This is all new to me, and I thought it was all related. I didn't understand why one says it is iOS compatible, and the other doesn't. I went to Apple's App Store and couldn't find this 2ndLine link. I feel better knowing it's different things.

Let me know how this plays out. If you decide to go for it, and how well it works for you.

Dave

 

[Ken555]

Ok. Thanks. This is all new to me, and I thought it was all related. I didn't understand why one says it is iOS compatible, and the other doesn't. I went to Apple's App Store and couldn't find this 2ndLine link. I feel better knowing it's different things.

Let me know how this plays out. If you decide to go for it, and how well it works for you.

Dave

There are so many VoIP solutions it’s easy to get confused. Hushed actually looks decent, and $25 is very good for a simple line, but I’m not sure the advantages outweigh using a free Google Voice line, barring exceptional circumstances.


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[rhonda]

Doing a quick read on Google voice ... it seems you need an active phone number and service separate from the Google voice number? Does Google Voice simply redirect the call from your "fake" number to your "real" number?

From Google Support page, "Get Started with Voice":
First, you'll need:

• A Google Account
• U.S. phone number that can forward calls after ringing
  • Note: Some VoIP phone number providers don't allow conditional call forwarding
• Computer or smartphone with Internet access (for sign-up)

And, that same support page reminds me of issues regarding costs and responsibility for the charges. How are these billed? Can all fee-based activities be blocked/restricted to avoid unexpected billing?

 

[easyrider]

When my father in law needed a cheap cell phone for travel I bought him a Trac Phone. It was very inexpensive. Just a flip phone with 60 minutes of talk time. It worked pretty good in most places.

Bill

 

[MrockStar]

When my father in law needed a cheap cell phone for travel I bought him a Trac Phone. It was very inexpensive. Just a flip phone with 60 minutes of talk time. It worked pretty good in most places.

Bill

I used to have T-Mobile pre-paid on one of my older candy bar style phones that was around $ 5.00 a month talk/txt only. That worked well.

 

[SmithOp]

Doing a quick read on Google voice ... it seems you need an active phone number and service separate from the Google voice number? Does Google Voice simply redirect the call from your "fake" number to your "real" number?


And, that same support page reminds me of issues regarding costs and responsibility for the charges. How are these billed? Can all fee-based activities be blocked/restricted to avoid unexpected billing?

You can have it ring through or just take messages and e-mail or text you.

Of course the fee based services can be blocked, just don’t add any money to the account. Credit can be added in small increments, $10, from debit or credit cards. No credit, no pay services.

I don’t understand the concern for your freeloader neighbor if you can’t even trust him not to run up a bill on international calls. Kick the bum to the curb. There is a full billing audit of every call.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[rhonda]

@SmithOp, does Google Voice require a valid phone number from another account or service? Thx!

(Thank you for the screen capture!)

 

[buzglyd]

Rhonda I know this will be confusing but for a “home” number I use Google Talk and a Obitalk device.

The OBi logs into my google voice account and attaches to my home phone base station and extra handsets. OBi also provides an E911 service that is free that I can attach my address to for emergency calls. You can have it ring to your house or Google talk app on your cell or not ring anywhere at all.

I can block all the junk calls and turn the whole thing on mute during the political season. It takes some configuring but it works perfectly.

 

[pittle]

We converted our landline to MagicJack about 5 years ago. They ported the landline number to Magic Jack. It has a feature to block robo calls and also you can send voice calls to email or forward to your cell. We can also link our cell phones to it. It all works well and we like it. Our cell phone plan includes unlimited Mexico calling and text, so we just forward our home phone to one of our cell phones.

I use my cell phone for my convenience - not others - and less than 20 friends and family have my cell number. They all know that if they really want to get hold of me, call the house number or send an email. I seriously dislike text messages, as do our 2 sons. I delete every text after reading or responding to the few that I get (maybe 1 per day or 2) so that it does not get all cluttered up. I have my cell with me when I am out so that I have it for an emergency.

 

[easyrider]

We converted our landline to MagicJack about 5 years ago. They ported the landline number to Magic Jack. It has a feature to block robo calls and also you can send voice calls to email or forward to your cell. We can also link our cell phones to it. It all works well and we like it. Our cell phone plan includes unlimited Mexico calling and text, so we just forward our home phone to one of our cell phones.

I use my cell phone for my convenience - not others - and less than 20 friends and family have my cell number. They all know that if they really want to get hold of me, call the house number or send an email. I seriously dislike text messages, as do our 2 sons. I delete every text after reading or responding to the few that I get (maybe 1 per day or 2) so that it does not get all cluttered up. I have my cell with me when I am out so that I have it for an emergency.

We did about the same thing regarding converting landlines. We had five landlines with US West and US West kept calling us to upgrade. They kept raising the prices too. We decided to do away with the landlines and replaced all of them with cell phones, ringfax and a Magic Jack. We ported all of the phone numbers over to the other services.

Even though we rarely use it we still have the Magic Jack line. I just paid for another three years mainly to keep an old family phone number. This number is 58 years old and my wife likes it. She uses it to call her sisters because it was their parents number. The Magic Jack is hooked up to an old cordless phone when she uses it which is not very often.

Bill

 

[rhonda]

Thanks for the discussions! Feedback, based on limited research/impression of some of the recent suggestions:

Negative on Magic Jack: Too expensive up front ($35 vs $25 for Hushed) for the stick; Annual Ongoing fees $9 vs $0 and it requires additional user provisioned hardware on top of their stick. This is hard "ruled out."

Negative on TracPhone or prepaid Cell phones: Ongoing Fees and the phone is useful away from the house. I desire to keep the solution "tethered" to the house. (We've long pestered the neighbor to get either of these ideas. He won't do it and I'm not going to pay for it on his behalf. He has 911 service through a cell phone that has an active SIM but no service subscription.)

ObiTalk with Google Talk or Voice: Looking at the ObiTalk site, the start up costs exceed the Hushed solution ($25 one time fee, lifetime subscriptions). I have no intention to connect this throwaway number back to my home phone hardware and do not desire e911 on the throwaway number. This idea is quite similar to our Ooma system with which we are quite satisfied.

The solution must run exclusively over WiFi on either a retired iOS device or Amazon Fire tablet.

 

[SmithOp]

@SmithOp, does Google Voice require a valid phone number from another account or service? Thx!

(Thank you for the screen capture!)

Yes and No! You need a valid number to request a Google voice number and authenticate, they text a code or place a call to relay the code. Once the Google number is set up you can remove the phone number in the account settings.




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[rhonda]

I don’t understand the concern for your freeloader neighbor if you can’t even trust him not to run up a bill on international calls. Kick the bum to the curb.

Well, without going into the full backstory, not everyone who lives an 'experimental' lifestyle is a bum. This fellow is a local trail and back country expert. He has committed practically all he has over the years to defend the California Riding & Hiking Trail: physically rebuilding and maintaining trail segments across San Diego county (~80 miles of usable trail); cleaning water springs; engaging county offices for support; defending the trail from becoming fenced off due to land development; maintaining an archive of easements (a huge chore!); etc.

As a horsewoman, I crave trails. I'm grateful for the enormous efforts of those who volunteer their time, labor, resources to build, defend and maintain trails. I've attended a couple county meetings on this particular trail ... they aren't for the weak of heart. So many competing perspectives! Oh, my.