Patent ID: 8655309

Claim:
A central processor for activating an electronic device at a point-of-sale, the electronic device identified by a unique indicia and the activation occurring following a purchase of the electronic device from at the point-of-sale, the central processor comprising: a point-of-sale communication interface that provides selectable communication between the central processor and the point-of-sale, the point-of-sale interface configured to receive from the point-of-sale: the indicia identifying the electronic device; and information sufficient to identify the point-of-sale; a provider communication interface that provides selectable communication between the central processor and the provider of goods or services, the provider interface configured to transact communication with the provider regarding a status of the electronic device; a electronic device communication interface that provides selectable communication between the central processor and the electronic device, the electronic device interface configured to send to the electronic device, following activation of the electronic device, information material to the electronic device; a database comprising a record for each electronic device, the record comprising: the indicia identifying the electronic device; a status of the electronic device; information sufficient to identify any point-of-sales that are authorized to request activation of the electronic device; and information sufficient to identify the provider associated with the electronic device; and an activation processor configured to: determine whether the indicia is valid and identifies an electronic device with an inactive status; determine whether the point-of-sale sending the activation request is authorized to request activation of the electronic device by comparing the information sufficient to identify the point-of-sale with point-of-sale, merchant location, or network information previously stored in the database; determine the provider associated with the electronic device and enable communication with the provider regarding the status of the electronic device; convey to the electronic device information material to a feature, functionality, or use of the electronic device, comprising a telephone number of the electronic device.