A wireless modem device is configured for connection over a cellular carrier network to a second network. The device is initially in a non-activated mode in which the wireless modem device can only be connected to an authorization server of a cellular carrier network and cannot communicate outside the boundaries of an activation service for the wireless modem device. Activation is initiated by the cellular carrier network on receipt of a request from the wireless modem device to access a web resource address (URL) of the second network. The handset is connected to the carrier authorization server if the wireless modem device has not been activated, and is provided with an activation page at the authorization server. The authorization server activates the wireless modem device for wireless connection to the second network through the cellular carrier network.