Cannot add phone number for text verification (Creating AppleID)

Hi there. I am trying to create a new AppleID for my work iPhone (which is brand new). In creating a new AppleID (just for this iPhone), it asks for 2 forms of verification: Email and telephone number. I am able to add my work email and verify it. However, it does not accept my work phone number, even though I can call and receive text on that number. The error message was: " Verification codes can’t be sent to this phone number at this time. Please try again later."

I have tried different working phone numbers, and they exhibit the same error.

I turned off any ad blockers or VPNs from my laptop that I used to create the AppleID to ensure nothing is interfering with the AppleID web browser access. I also tried the same process from my work iPhone.

Any suggestions? --George