Surfshark Introduces New “Alternative Number” Feature
Surfshark recently announced that it has launched a new feature to its Alternative ID product in the form of “Alternative Number.” The company sys that the new addition provides users with a virtual US-based phone number, which can be used for calls and messages and minimize unwanted spam calls and interactions from strangers and untrusted websites.
In a way, Surfshark says that Alternative Number works similarly to “burner phones” by giving users an alternative contact number. A key feature of Alternative Number is that it can be paired with even more details provided by Alternative ID, as well as a transparent privacy policy available online. It also works for as long as a user wants it, and can be changed every 30 days free of extra charge).
One caveat of the Alternative Number feature though is that users are not able to make calls or be the first to send messages—they can only receive calls and receive and reply to messages.
Users won’t have to worry about roaming costs, and they can receive calls and messages with the Surfshark app whenever they are, provided that they have an internet connection. At the moment, only US-based numbers are available, with more locations to be added in the future.
Alternative Number is a paid add-on for Alternative ID, which is included in all Surfshark bundles. To get Alternative Number, users will need to choose any Surfshark plan, go to their accounts and upgrade to Alternative Number, and click “add to plan” in the Alternative Number field. The cost of the service varies from $4.99 to $2.99 (before taxes) per month based on the time left until the end of the subscription.