Are there any good affiliate programs there that don't require phone activation? Why do some programs require to talk with you on the phone? Can't you just chat? What if you're deaf or something!
Comission Junction doesn't require phone activiation. Clickbooth didn't either when i signed up. Most affiliates would want to verify the information you gave them is correct and they do have a working phone to contact you with. Most phone calls are very quick. Just a few general questions like the types of traffic on your website and what campigns you are focusing on. Usually just a few minutes. If you are really deaf or have hearing problems then I guess if you there is some form of a comment box in the affiliate application then you can mention it.
Linkshare, Sharealing, AdsMarket and many other do not require phone activation either and would not be able to support international calls as they accept affiliates/publishers from around the world.
they require phone activation as once you are approved for the network then you are also approved for all the campaigns they are running. networks such as cj.com that don't require phone activation require you to apply to the campaigns you wish to promote. once you have spoken on the phone then the network asses if you are or are not fit to promote the campaigns they are offering.