Free US cellular services for verifications, etc..

[Lumos]

This works well for verifications either via SMS or voice call and is handy to have for small general uses too.

There is currently 1 company that has a minimal offering for folks with a spare GSM phone that is either AT&T compatible or unlocked.

The plan itself is free so long as you log into your account there every month.
It includes only 250 'units' which are either 1 minute or 1 SMS - there is no data for the free plan so no MMS.

They sell you their SIM so its not absolutely 100% free, but if you need GSM services and have a spare phone it can be very useful.

There's a Reddit group for it, of course:
https://www.reddit.com/r/FreeupMobile/

And it is best to get your SIM directly from them, here:
https://freeupmobile.com/shop/plans-and-features

You can get it via amazon, but then it is a real hassle to get it activated, believe me !!

Another option that works on any phone (even a phone that is wifi only) is Textnow, which has been posted about many times here in different threads.
You just get their free app - they give you a new number that is your own and you just have to use it now and then to keep it alive.

Either or both of these can be really handy to have...limited FreeUp cellular units for when you are not at home and unlimited calling and texting via Textnow and wifi when you are at home.

[devildog]

Thanks. Max reps added.

[hansap]

thanks a lot for the helpful info.