Thanks so much for your question, celtk5!I regret to see that you are having problems with your cell phone! Please let us know what we can do to help with that phone!In order to activate an alternate device, make sure your phone is turned off and then try the *228 again. If that doesn't work you can always proceed with activating it via http://bit.ly/xB4iTc or follow these steps http://bit.ly/V7eoFJ. If you're still having a problem it would be best to contact us in order for us to check the account provisioning.Tamara H.Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport