Certification and activation of used phones on a wireless carrier network

Abstract

Telecommunication services systems and methods are disclosed. The telecommunication services systems and methods preferably enable a buyer to certify and activate a used wireless telecommunications device. The systems and methods may also be employed to provide the buyer with specialized pricing options and other customized services.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for enabling access to a used telecommunications device comprising:
 receiving a request from a buyer;   identifying one or more telecommunication services providers available to the buyer;   allowing the buyer to select a telecommunication services provider; and   communicating the buyer's selection to the telecommunication services provider, wherein said telecommunication services provider enables access to said used telecommunications device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing the buyer with a confirmation message when said used telecommunications device is enabled. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the one or more telecommunication services providers are identified by the buyer's area code or the buyer's zip code. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for remotely enabling access to a used telecommunications device comprising
 means for receiving a request from a buyer;   means for identifying one or more telecommunication services carriers available to the buyer;   means for allowing the buyer to select a telecommunication services provider;   means for communication the buyer's selection to the telecommunication services provider; and   means for said telecommunication services provider to enable access to said used telecommunications device.   
     
     
         5 . A computer program for enabling access to a used telecommunications device comprising
 means for receiving a request from a buyer;   means for identifying one or more telecommunication services providers available to the buyer;   means for allowing the buyer to select a telecommunication services provider; and   means for communicating the buyer's selection to the telecommunication services provider, wherein said telecommunication services provider enables access to said used telecommunications device.   
     
     
         6 . A programmed computer system for enabling access to a used telecommunications device comprising
 means for receiving a request from a buyer;   means for identifying one or more telecommunication services providers available to the buyer;   means for allowing the buyer to select a telecommunication services provider; and   means for communicating the buyer's selection to the telecommunication services provider, wherein said telecommunication services provider enables access to said used telecommunications device.