over the internet, with the "over-the-air" aspect referring to the updates being downloaded directly to the phone using Wi-Fi or mobile broadband, rather than requiring that the device be connected to a computer over USB to perform the update. Mechanism The OTA mechanism requires the existing software and hardware of the target device to support the feature, namely the receipt and installation of new software received via the wireless network from the provider. New software is transferred to the phone, installed, and put into use. It is often necessary to turn the phone off and back on for the new programming to take effect, though many phones will automatically perform this action. Methods Depending on implementation, OTA software delivery can be initiated upon action, such as a call to the provider's customer support system or other dial-able service, or can be performed automatically. Typically, it is done via the former method to avoid service disruption at an inconvenient time, but this requires subscribers to manually call the provider. Often, a carrier will send a broadcast SMS text message to all subscribers (or those using a particular model of phone) asking them to dial a service number to receive a software update. Verizon Wireless in the United States provides a number of OTA functions to its subscribers via the *228 USSD service code. Option 1 updates phone configuration, option 2 updates the PRL. Similarly Voitel Wireless and StraightTalk, which both use Verizon network, use 22890 service code to program Verizon-based wireless phones. To provision parameters in a mobile device OTA, the device needs to have a provisioning client capable of receiving, processing and setting the parameters. For example, a Device Management client in a device may be capable of receiving and provisioning applications, or connectivity parameters. In general, the term OTA implies the use of wireless mechanisms to send provisioning data or update packages for firmware or software updates to a mobile device; this is so that the user does not have to go to a store or a service centre to have applications provisioned, parameters changed, or firmware or software updated. In this context, also two major types of OTA updates can be distinguished, namely OTA updates for product enhancement (e.g., customized product functions and services) and OTA updates for product optimization (e.g., repair or version updates). Non-OTA options for a user are: a) to go to a store and