You can buy a cellular phone or a regular phone. If you decide on a regular phone, it is usually cheaper to buy a telephone and use it for local calls and to buy a phone card for long distance calls. You can buy an inexpensive phone at Meijer, Target, or best Buy. To order telephone service, call Ameritech (SBC) at 1-800-244-4444.

Before you call, make sure that you have two pieces of valid identification such as:

• Your passport.





• Social Security Number (They will use this number to check you credit history when you apply for a Social Security Number, ask for a letter to prove that you have applied, you can show this letter to the telephone service as proof of Identification.





• A U.S. driver’s License or official state ID card.
  
  

Sometimes, Ameritech (SBC) will ask for additional information. Be prepared to fax the following to the Ameritech Customer Verification Center at 1-800-668-6613.

• Your Name





• A photocopy of your passport photo page and Social Security card (if available).





• A statement saying that you are requesting telephone service in the State of Michigan.

Ameritech (SBC) will use this information to verify your account. You may have to call Ameritech (SBC) again 48 hours later to verify your request for telephone service. Be sure to tell them that you have already faxed the requested information to them.

General Questions you may be asked:

• Your name, date of birth and local address.





• Have you had prior service with Ameritech?





• What is you Social Security number?





• What is the name and address of a close family member in your home country?





• Where are you employed (if you are not employed, be sure to let them know that you are a student).





• Who will be providing you long distance service?





• Do you want this number listed in the phone book?