Phone Number Always Required

[longstockings]

Okay so I understand that spaces are being counted as characters but surely there is a link with the customers_paypal_payerid in the customers table.

[DrByte]

If the customer pays via PayPal Express Checkout, and opts not to supply their phone number to you (on their PayPal page), you won't get it.
You can change your PayPal Profile settings to require that the customer supply you with their phone number ... however, some customers may not like that requirement and thus abort the transaction ... which is why PayPal recommends against it. But, if your business requires it, you have that option.