MS/Outlook trying to force a valid phone number on their accounts

[#1]

In 5 days anyone using Outlook etc has to have a valid phone number that has to be activated by being called/texted.
Guess I am looking for a new spam trap email provider, very much doubt they will not use/sell on valid phone numbers. 

[#2]

All I can say is that I gave them mine when I got my new W8 laptop back in July and it's not been misused since then.

[#3]

Does that include existing Outlook users?
Yahoo do this now - I tried to re-activate an old account and wouldn't let me unless I gave phone number. Must be joking!