The only number I have is a private cell phone number that is for family and close friends ONLY.

I will not add it to my outlook.com account, and never will.

Will Microsoft and the management of Outlook.com please remove the ridiculous phone request that is preventing me from using an email account I've used for more than 15 years.

If I must I will simply dump that email account and move to another email solution.

I stand firm on this, and I guarantee I am not alone in this opinion.

So please remove this phone requirement pronto.