The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for deactivating unused telematics units in a cost effective manner, while allowing later contact with the unit by the service provider. The service provider deactivates a device by replacing a valid MIN with an invalid default MIN, deactivating the normal CDMA registration process, and implementing a reduced frequency registration regimen. A regionally broadcast SMS message is subsequently used to reach the deactivated module. The SMS message is configured in such a way as to cause the targeted device to place a cellular call using a non-validating wireless number to a call center of the service provider. Once the telematics provider has a dedicated link call with the module, it executes a desired action, e.g., providing a newly provisioned MIN, shutting down the device entirely, collecting stored data from the device, etc.