One doesn't use a cell phone (well I wouldn't) but a cellphone number is demanded to verify one's identity. Without a working cellphone connection one is today - - - a NON-person.
OK, what other ways of verifying identity would you prefer?
You can still do most of what needs to be done with banks and government through in-person and/or postal service that can be done without connectivity of any kind.
I understand that you don't get the problem but then you are an urban dweller
As are more than 80% of Canadians.
who has absolutely no idea what its like trying to connect to an ever increasing number of entities that demand SMS connectiviity
You're right, I have no idea. I logically assume that if someone wants to "connect" that first they possess a device capable of "connecting".
Please explain why this should not be the case.
FWIW, much of my most important supplemental authentication -- including a number of government accounts -- is done through an authenticator app which does not rely on SMS.