After auctioning unique usernames on the TON blockchain, Telegram is now putting anonymous numbers up for bidding. These numbers may be used to sign up to Telegram without requiring any SIM card.
Just like the username auction, you can buy these virtual numbers on Fragment which is a site specially designed for Telegram-related auctions. For buying a number, you would have to link your TON wallet (Tonkeeper) to the website.

You can buy a random number for as little as nine toncoins, which is about $16.50 at the time of writing. Some of the premium virtual numbers — like +888-8-888 — are selling for 31,500 toncoins (~$58,200).

The important thing to know is that you can use this number only to sign up for Telegram. You can't use it to receive SMS or calls or to register for another service.

For Telegram, this means asking its loyal supporters to support the app by helping it make some money. The company released its premium subscription plan earlier in the year. On Tuesday, Pavel Durov, founder of the chat app, said Telegram has more than 1 million paid users just a few months since the company launched its premium features. While Telegram does have features such as cross-device syncing and large groups, it is essential to remember that chats aren't encrypted end-to-end.

As for people who want anonymity, Telegram already gives you the option of keeping your phone number hidden. And, of course, there are loads of virtual phone number services available — including Google Voice, Hushed, and India-based Doosra — that will take calls and SMS.