A
mobile wireless device is provided that can communicate on a public telecommunication network using a known communication standard. The
wireless device is also constructed to establish communication to an activatable product using a local communication path, which may be, for example, a
near field communication or RFID communication. The activatable target may an
optical disc or electronic product, for example. The activatable product is provided in a disabled state, so that the product can not be used for its intended purpose. For example, the
optical disc may not play in its associated player, and the electronic device may not power up. When it is desired to activate the product, the
mobile wireless device is positioned
proximate the product. Using the local communication path, the
wireless device receives a message from an
RF circuit on the activatable product. The message may hold identification or other information regarding the activatable produce. The
wireless device connects to a network operation center over the public
telecommunications network to obtain an activation key for the activatable device. The wireless device again uses the local communication path to transmit the activation key to the activatable target, and the
RF circuit enables the functionality of the product.