Method and system for automatic activation of a wireless device

Patent 5956636 Issued on September 21, 1999. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 16, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Lipsit, James Mason

Assignee

AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.

Application

No. 683013 filed on 07/16/1996

US Classes:

455/411, Privacy, lock-out, or authentication455/419, Remote programming control455/551Number assignment module (NAM) detail

Examiners

Primary: Nguyen, Lee

Foreign Patent References

459 488 A2 EP. 12/13/1991
778 716 A2 EP. 06/13/1997
95 15066 A1 WO. 06/13/1995

International Class

H04M 001/66

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for automatic activation of a wireless device in a subscription activation system are provided which use information received from a programmed but non-activated device. In one variation, the subscription activation system determines that the received information satisfies a parameter necessary for activation. In another variation, the subscription activation system verifies that the information received satisfies a previously determined criterion necessary for activation. Based upon the above, the subscription activation system activates the device. In a related manner, a system is constructed which uses an activation unit configured to receive and process information from a programmed non-activated wireless device. Using the information, the activation unit determines if activation criteria necessary for activation of the programmed wireless device in the system are satisfied and, based upon the information and if the criteria are satisfied, the activation unit activates the wireless device in the system.

Other References

Sam Levenson & Karen Wong, "Rapid Service Activation for Personal Communications Access Services", 1994 Networks for Personal Communications, 1994, pp. 37-4