A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up with Nothing but a Zip Code
7 days ago
- #telecom
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Nicholas Merrill is launching Phreeli, a privacy-focused cellular provider that requires minimal personal information from users.
- Phreeli aims to offer anonymity by not storing identifiable data, only requiring a ZIP code for tax purposes.
- The startup uses T-Mobile's infrastructure as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to provide service without building its own towers.
- Phreeli employs a cryptographic system called Double-Blind Armadillo for anonymous payments, supporting cryptocurrencies like Zcash and Monero.
- Users can choose varying levels of privacy, from full anonymity to providing an email for account recovery.
- Merrill's motivation stems from his legal battle against FBI surveillance, including a National Security Letter (NSL) he fought for 11 years.
- Phreeli contrasts with major carriers that comply with surveillance orders and sell user data to brokers.
- The company blocks spam and robocalls by limiting call/text volumes and banning abusive users.
- Merrill emphasizes that privacy should be the default, not a feature reserved for extremists or criminals.
- Phreeli represents a shift toward normalizing privacy in telecom, challenging the industry's data-collection norms.