<p>You can only get the iPhone with AT&T.*
The part about the SSN is true, and prior to signing a contract, most cell phone companies will do a credit check. An alternative is using a pay-as-you-go plan. The advantage is that there is no contract - you’re not locked in for one or two years and no credit check or SSN is required. The disadvantage is that they’re a hassle as you have to keep track of when minutes expire, etc. and that, on a per-minute basis, they are more expensive.</p>
<p>*Well, it is possible to unlock the iPhone for use with other cell phone companies (but not Verizon) - but that falls outside the scope of this discussion and is not necessarily for the faint of heart.</p>