I think the intent is baby steps for those who aren't already privacy invested. Getting parents or tech illiterate to switch to Signal is a win. They weren't hiding their number anyway.
I currently have a Signal account tied to a sim not in my name. Getting a burner with cash is an option then park it. Or, if you're lucky enough to live near a payphone and can gain access to the number, you can activate a signal with a phone call.
Signal can't do shit
Canit sync messages b/w devices seamlessly?
Doe it have unlimited storage?
Channels?
Isn't upload size limit 100mb? Telegram has 4gb.
Advance Bots?
Good Ui/Ux?
High quality stickers?
Big public groups?
Mini apps?
Lol, signal is NOT an alternative to telegram as a whole, it can only partly replace its messaging functionality