Over The Air Programmable
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Modern cellphones are capable of receiving and immediately using new programmings without having to be physically connected to a configuration device. Phones capable of this often have a label declaring "OTA Capable" on the phone itself.
Over The Air Programmable allows cellphone providers to alter a phone's software by having users call a special number. Once the phone contacts the provider, new firmware and software are 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.
This method is similar to methods used by other mass-produced consumer electronics, such as cable modems, which use TFTP as a way to remotely receive new programming, thus reducing the amount of time spent both by the owner and user of the device on maintenance.
Also known as: OTASP (Over The Air Service Provisioning)
For Verizon Wireless customers in the U.S., OTA Programming can be accessed by dialing *228 and choosing option 1.