I live in Canada, and I am figuring out a way to get a “registered” phone number from a cell company just for SMS verification texts. However, I am wanting to find out if there is a service that would do the same thing (and potentially cheaper: the lowest plan I found from a carrier is CAD$15/mo). I would be using it just for SMS verification texts (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
Yes, Twilio. There may be other providers but this is the market leader. I have rented a number for years for this purpose. In their interface you can plug a script into the number to redirect all SMS messages to an email address. No need for any physical phone or SIM. I am always mystified that so few other people do what I am doing.
2 USD a month for a European mobile number. Canada may be different but for many countries you will need to submit documentation to prove identity and your right of residence there.