I've started using GrapheneOS on a brand new Pixel 7 recently. I was disappointed to find out that since I am using Google Fi as a carrier, I cannot receive MMS messages without having the Google Fi app installed. This means I have to use sandboxed Google Play Services which I was hoping to avoid on the main account.
I have looked around the forums and seen others talking about using Google Play Services on alternate accounts only but this does not work for me as I don't want to always leave my phone on an alternate account in order to receive an occasional group text.
I know the ideal outcome would be to convert everyone I know to using Signal for messaging but that has not been easy. I am actively trying - it is more difficult than I thought it would be.
TLDR;
I am wondering what other services US consumers are using for cell service and which of those services do not require a proprietary application to be installed on the OS in order to receive MMS messages.