do you need a social security number to get a mobile broadband card?

[anonymous]

i want to get a new mobile broadband card but i dont have a social security number, what company can i get it from like with out having a social security number

[Intellectualtoothpaste699]

It is generally not required, and in some cases illegal for any company to require your SSN as identification.
However, most companies have a loophole where they require a credit-check on you / your credit history. They may also require it if you want insurance on your phone.

If you provide satisfactory payment for your device and plan, then they have no legal reason to require your SSN. You should be able to get a phone from someone. If you have to, do business with a company in California, since they seem to have very good privacy protection rules.

Check the privacyrights website below for links to laws and rules about using SSNs.

Also, there's an excellent resource - kind of an encyclopedia or wiki about all things related to mobile phones - at Howard's Forums - link below. I did a quick search there, and did NOT find anything to help - but you might find what you need if you look there and spend more than the 90 seconds I did.

Lastly, ask the provider what the policy is if you aren't a US citizen?
Say, for instance you are here working for your (other country) consulate and want your own private phone to use. Or maybe you are a student here, and you want to be able to text & twitter like all your peers. You just don't have an SSN, or haven't gotten around to filing yet. In the case of non-citizenry, they might have a policy that resricts exporting certain technology from the US, but they probably still want your money.
If you wave enough cash - say you outright buy a $300 phone and pre-pay a year of service.. they'll be falling over themselves to help you.
Of course, if you need to work for your money like the rest of us - that is an awfully expensive option.

Maybe if you tell the sales person you are a battered husband/wife/child.. ( other victim of violence) and you are hiding from your attacker - just moved here, and I don't want any private investigators to find me using SSN... they may be sympathetic.

Give them a plausible reason + enough reason to trust you + some up-front cash, and you should be able to work through this.. or as some might say "social engineer" your way through.

Good luck!