Above Chat & VoIP

<— Return to: https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/phone-tablet-guides-mg8bQ5W0qm

<— Previous lesson: https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/above-sync-calendar-contacts-nKcIG5UPjF

—> Next lesson: https://learn.above.im/s/4cfc56b6-027b-40f4-bd5c-e86417393d23/doc/video-conferencing-yGEinLGl4q

Introduction to Cheogram, XMPP & JMP.chat

Let’s first get clear on the different parts at play and how they work together:

XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol)
XMPP is an open communication protocol designed for instant messaging, while also featuring voice & video calls, file transfer, and much more - all of which can be fully End-to-End encrypted within the XMPP network. Unlike most commercial instant messaging protocols, XMPP is not only open source, but also federated. The architecture of the XMPP network is similar to Email in the way that anyone can run their own XMPP server and there is no central master server. XMPP users can interoperate with others on any server using a 'JID' (Jabber ID) user account, similar to an email address, and have End-to-End encryption for the messages and data.

Jabber ID = XMPP address
These are unique addresses each for XMPP users, allowing to connect with each other - similar to Email addresses. Note that with Above Suite, we provide access to our XMPP server which uses @chat.above.im as its domain.

Cheogram
Cheogram is an open-source XMPP-based messaging app that enables private, decentralized communication, supporting encrypted text, voice, and video chats. In addition to being a fully functional XMPP Client for Android, Cheogram is built to make it easy to have a VoIP phone number on top of an XMPP account, providing anonymous phone numbers and SMS capabilities. Cheogram is ideal for users seeking secure, federated alternatives to mainstream messaging platforms.

JMP.chat
JMP is basically a VoIP service that operates inside of XMPP. This means that it’s possible to sign up for a US / Canada based phone number that can be tied to a Jabber ID and this way used directly via XMPP clients. Cheogram is specifically designed to make it easy to not only sign up but also continuously manage this virtual internet based phone number.

Setting Up Cheogram with a JMP Anonymous Phone Number

In this segment, we’ll cover how to set up Cheogram for the first time, sign in to your Above Suite XMPP account, and connect to JMP, the anonymous internet phone number provider we partner with to empower Above Suite users with private internet-based calling abilities.

Opening Cheogram for the first time
Open the Cheogram application
Review the information provided for an overview of what Cheogram offers, then tap Next to continue.
Review the information explaining how the Jabber network works, then tap “Next” to proceed.
Your account has already been configured for you. Select ‘I already have a Jabber ID’ to continue.
If you wish to review the Privacy Policy, tap “View Privacy Policy” at the bottom of the screen.
Signing in with your Above Suite credentials
Enter your Above Suite credentials. Your username will be your_user@chat.above.im and your password will be the same as usual. Tap the 👁 eye icon to reveal your password and confirm it is entered correctly.
Tap Next to proceed.
On the Publish Avatar page, tap Skip to continue. You can set or customize your avatar later, but it isn’t necessary at this stage.
You will see a popup “Setup Phone Service?” Tap Yes to proceed.
Note: this will get you started with your first free trial month of JMP.chat - you can also start this at a later point via the cheogram.com conversation window.
Wait a moment for the next page to load.
Selecting a JMP phone number via area code searchSelect JMP by tapping the large JMP bubble to proceed to phone number selection.
Tap on the “Search Telephone Numbers” field to open the keyboard.
Enter your preferred area code. This can be local or from another region, depending on how you plan to use this internet phone service.
Tap Search to view the available phone numbers for that area code.
Tap your preferred phone number to select it.
Confirmation and selecting your desired currency
After selecting your phone number, it will be highlighted. Tap Next to continue.
Wait for the next page to load.
Review the on-screen information, then tap Next to continue.
Select your currency (USD or CAD). If you use a different currency, don’t worry — this only affects how prices are displayed on your account management page.
Completing the initial setup
This setting is not very important. Leave it enabled and tap Next to proceed.
Setup is complete. Tap Close to proceed to the controls page.
This is the control page for your JMP internet phone service. We’ll go over this interface and the key next steps in the following section.

Congratulations! Cheogram is now set up and your internet phone service is connected, but there is more to configure. Tap the back arrow in the top left corner of the screen to go to the Cheogram home page.

Preparing Direct Dialer Integration

Now that your JMP phone number is connected, the next step is to enable dialer integration. This allows you to make and receive calls directly through your default Phone app, without needing to open Cheogram. You’ll still enjoy all the privacy benefits of your anonymous internet phone number, but with a more seamless calling experience.

Preparing for dialer integration
When you first open the Cheogram home page, you’ll be prompted to set up Dialer Integration. Tap YES to begin. If you skip it, you can set it up later in the settings.
Grant microphone access when prompted (choose While using the app).
Grant permission to connect to nearby devices.
You’ll be redirected to the Calling accounts page.
Toggle on your @chat.above.im account, then tap the ← back arrow in the top left corner.
Selecting default calling account option
Your @chat.above.im Cheogram account should now appear under All calling accounts
Tap Make calls with to set your default outgoing number.
Choose your Cheogram account, or select Ask first if you also have a SIM card with a phone line and want to choose each time before you start a call.
Your selection will now be shown under Make calls with
This completes the initial setup.
Tap the ← back arrow to return to the Cheogram app.
Sticker pack and notification permissions.
Back in the Cheogram app, you may be prompted to download a default sticker pack. Stickers are cultural images used in messages. This step is optional — choose Yes or No based on your preference.
Next, allow Cheogram to send notifications. This is important for receiving calls and messages. Tap Allow.
Setup is now complete. Next, we'll cover a few final steps to ensure your JMP service fees are paid and your account remains active.

Adding a Payment Method and Setting Overage Limits

This step is essential to keep your JMP phone number active after the one-month free trial. First, you’ll add a payment method. You can use a credit or debit card for automatic payments, or Bitcoin for added anonymity (more advanced, but ideal for privacy). Next, you’ll set overage limits. These allow you to exceed the included 120 monthly calling minutes without overspending. Think of it as a spending cap — not what you’ll necessarily use each month, but the maximum you allow yourself to spend. For reference, calls to US or Canadian numbers cost $0.0087 per minute. International rates vary and all prices can be viewed here.

Adding a payment method and setting auto top-up
In the Cheogram.com COMMANDS page (found by opening the Cheogram.com conversation in your app feed), you can manage your account settings. To start, tap “Debit Card Settings and Management” to add a card for auto-payments.
If you prefer to use Bitcoin or another alternative payment method, select the option just below it.
This will open the JMP Pay manager page. Enter your card information.
Set the amount you'd like to automatically top up when your balance drops below $5.
Tap Save
Tap Close to return to the Commands page.

Setting overage limits
Tap Manage your plan, including overage limits to continue setup.
Tap the text field to edit your overage limit.
Enter your desired amount. As a reference, every $5 provides approximately 10 hours of calling time.
Tap Next to save your settings.
Tap Close to finish the setup.