Abstract:
A memory (218) of a subscriber unit (122) is written (302) with a subscriber unit identification code (226) and an activation data package (228) including an activation home index (230), and at least one of a corresponding service provider name (232), service provider identification number (234), service provider operating frequency (236), and service provider contact information (238). The subscriber unit is programmed (304) to convey, to at least one of the user and the service provider, the subscriber unit identification code and selected portions of the activation data package and to make operational the activation home index, when the subscriber unit is in a service zone operated for the service provider and the service has not yet been activated.