Over Dependency on a Mobile Number

I had to live without a phone number for a week due to my Sim breaking down at the wrong time and this was my experience.

THE BAD
– i felt locked out of all pretty much all the things that i use digitally (even my banking app)
– Pretty much everything needs an OTP (i know its for security but it was very annoying)
– Traveling was a bit troublesome as i have gotten into the habit taking very little cash with me due to UPI. plus i could not book ola or uber cabs.

THE GOOD (kind of)
– when i left the office or my house which took me away from the wifi network zone i truly felt off the grid, no google maps to tell me about my destinations, no person that i could contact to guide me just old fashioned asking the shopkeepers or people on the roads for directions.
– A feeling freedom. No notification sounds or phone calls when i am outside but its also scary cuz i wont be able to contact anyone in case of an emergency.
– i actually paid attention to things on the road when i was traveling instead of reading reddit post as i had no internet nor do i have songs in my phone.

Would i want to go through it again, not really, maybe, kinda… but this got me thinking we really need a backup system for when one can not access his own phone number<.> specially for the OTP.