Yes but you have to keep the phone registered on the network by topping up every 3 months and 'nursing' your burner phone. At least where I live this is the case. Apparently this is the case to stop terrorists holding onto sims for long periods of time and then using them in IEDs, or using them to start plotting at a later date.

Also, Google will periodically check to see if you still operate that number and will perform spot checks on the number, asking you to verify the phone again.

Other jurisdictions, such as Australia, require identity checks http://acma.gov.au/Citizen/Phones/Mobile/Prepaid-mobiles/new...