[rafram]

> only

I vaguely remember Google making moves toward killing it, but last I tried it, Google Voice let you get a number without providing any ID whatsoever.

And only postpaid phone plans require ID in the US.

[vinay427]

The context is Switzerland. In Switzerland, and much of Europe (except the UK, CZ, and several other countries), current ID is required to get a mobile phone number. Even on a postpaid plan after proving identity, anyone with indefinite residency must keep their status up-to-date.

The US and aforementioned European countries (among others)/are better about this because anyone can just get a SIM/number.