System and method for authorizing the activation of a communication device

Abstract

Systems and methods of authorizing the activation of a previously functioning by subsequently deactivated or disabled communication device are disclosed. The method comprises receiving at a central processor an authorization request from a merchant terminal at the merchant store to authorize activation of a communication device, the central processor being in selective communication with the merchant terminal and a communications service provider; determining at the central processor whether the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; authorizing at the central processor activation of the communication device, responsive to a determination that the communication device was validly sold from the merchant store in a purchase transaction; and sending a notification from the central processor to the communications service provider that the communication device is authorized and ready for activation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 778,338 filed on Feb. 17, 2004, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 519,629 filed Nov. 14, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to distributing and activating communication devices, such as wireless phones. More particularly, the invention relates to distributing wireless communication devices at point-of-sale merchant terminals wherein the communication devices may be used for wireless communication service. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Merchant stores receive wireless phones from distributors and sell the phones and other communication devices to customers. These phones may be pay-as-you-go wireless phones. Typically, the phones are inactive when the stores receive the phones from distributors. Thus, in order for a customer to use a phone after purchase, the phone must be activate...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The traditional method does not allow the carrier to know the status of the phone prior to activation.

However, the carrier will not know whether the phone was ever legitimately purchased at an authorized retailer.

For instance, the carrier will not know whether the person calling to activate the phone is requesting to activate a stolen phone or a legitimately purchased phone.

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