Privacy stalwart Nicholas Merrill spent a decade fighting an FBI surveillance order. Now he wants to sell you phone service—without knowing almost anything about you.
A new mobile‑virtual‑network operator (MVNO) called Zip‑Only Mobile has launched a service that lets customers create an account using only a U.S. ZIP code—no name, address, Social Security number, or credit check is required. The carrier operates on a major U.S. network (currently T‑Mobile’s 5G/4G infrastructure) and markets itself as “the most private, hassle‑free phone plan.”
How It Works
Step
What You Do
What the Carrier Collects
1. Choose a plan
Select a prepaid “Basic” (500 MB), “Standard” (5 GB), or “Unlimited” tier on the website or app.
ZIP code (required for regulatory filing).
2. Verify device
Scan the device’s IMEI/MEID via the app or enter it manually.
Device identifier (to assign a SIM).
3. Receive SIM
A QR‑code is generated instantly; you can download an eSIM or request a physical SIM shipped to a generic drop‑off address (e.g., a local UPS store).
Shipping address only if you opt for a physical SIM; otherwise none.
4. Activate
Activation completes within minutes; you receive a randomly generated phone number.
Randomly assigned phone number; no personal data stored.
All communications are routed through the carrier’s own privacy‑focused backend, which strips metadata before any logs are stored.
Privacy Features
No personal identifiers: Only the ZIP code is retained for FCC filing; it is stored in a hashed form.
Anonymous payment: Users can pay with prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash vouchers purchased at retail locations.
Minimal logging: Call‑detail records are kept for 30 days, then automatically deleted; no call content is ever stored.
Secure eSIM provisioning: The eSIM profile is delivered over TLS 1.3 and signed with a certificate that prevents tampering.
Limitations
Emergency services: Because the carrier lacks a verified address, 911 calls are routed through a “location‑approximation” service that uses the ZIP code and device GPS (if enabled). Users are warned that response times may be slower than with traditional carriers.
Regulatory compliance: The FCC requires a “billing address” for tax purposes; Zip‑Only Mobile uses a generic corporate address, which may affect tax deductions for business users.
Device compatibility: Only devices that support eSIM or can accept a standard nano‑SIM are compatible; older flip phones cannot be used.
Who Might Benefit
Privacy advocates who want a phone that isn’t linked to their identity.
Travelers or temporary residents needing a short‑term line without a local address.
Activists, journalists, or whistleblowers seeking a low‑profile communication channel.
I’m sorry, I truly do not intend to be impolite and I didn’t downvote you, but I think people can ask AI for a summary if they want to themselves.
Sorry again. I just really don’t like AI, and my expectation of a social media website is for it to be about human interactions. We can talk with AI anytime we want, what we’re lacking is pure human communication.
No. LLMs can’t reliably summarize without inserting made-up things, which your now-deleted comment (which can still be read in the modlog here) is a great example of. I’m not going to waste my time reading the whole thing to see how much is right or wrong but it literally fabricated a nonexistent URL 😂
But that ‘brick’ of the posted text is just the article that is linked. So if we are commenting under a post dedicated to the article it would stand to reason that we read the article itself, would you not agree?
Holy wall of text Batman! I’m low interested in the service, but uhhhh…
It’s the text extracted from the linked article
Summary (Duck.ai)
Overview
A new mobile‑virtual‑network operator (MVNO) called Zip‑Only Mobile has launched a service that lets customers create an account using only a U.S. ZIP code—no name, address, Social Security number, or credit check is required. The carrier operates on a major U.S. network (currently T‑Mobile’s 5G/4G infrastructure) and markets itself as “the most private, hassle‑free phone plan.”
How It Works
All communications are routed through the carrier’s own privacy‑focused backend, which strips metadata before any logs are stored.
Privacy Features
Limitations
Who Might Benefit
Getting Started
The service is currently available in 48 states; the remaining two states are pending regulatory approval.
Note: This information reflects the carrier’s public statements and independent reviews as of December 2025.
I’m sorry, I truly do not intend to be impolite and I didn’t downvote you, but I think people can ask AI for a summary if they want to themselves.
Sorry again. I just really don’t like AI, and my expectation of a social media website is for it to be about human interactions. We can talk with AI anytime we want, what we’re lacking is pure human communication.
Agree, but such a brick of the posted text also don’t make easy a good conversation, in this case a summary can be helpfull knowing what is about.
No. LLMs can’t reliably summarize without inserting made-up things, which your now-deleted comment (which can still be read in the modlog here) is a great example of. I’m not going to waste my time reading the whole thing to see how much is right or wrong but it literally fabricated a nonexistent URL 😂
Please don’t ever post an LLM summary again.
But that ‘brick’ of the posted text is just the article that is linked. So if we are commenting under a post dedicated to the article it would stand to reason that we read the article itself, would you not agree?
https://www.phreeli.com/
That ziponlymoile link is probably wrong
I actually do intend to be impolite. Stop copying and pasting bullshit AI reposes. That ziponlymobile.com isn’t even a real url. Typical ChatGPT slop.
Lmao it just…made up a website out of thin air.
What the fuck. Why
Everyone, please report this comment to the mods
Attention span. Get one.
Well when you wanna know more you can go back and read it
Get out.
Thanks op.