A method for remotely activating an event over a telecommunications network, said method comprising: providing processing means connected to a telecommunications transceiver and having an output for activating an event; and connecting the transceiver to the network, such that it is able to receive a connection request from a user; the processing means and transceiver being configured to: receive a connection request; wait for a predetermined time period; refuse the connection request; and activate the event.Also provided is a device for enabling an event to be remotely activated over a telecommunications network, said device comprising: processing means connected to a telecommunications transceiver and having an output for activating the event; wherein the transceiver is operable to receive a connection request from a user, and wherein the processing means are operable, on receipt of a connection request, to: wait for a predetermined time period; refuse the connection request; and activate the event.