Number To Activate Verizon Phone * 228
But you don't dial that number on the phone you are activating. I believe the OP was referring to the *228 business. That number isn't necessary anymore.
Items you will need
Customer receipt
Verizon Wireless mobile phone
Number To Activate Verizon Cell Phone
When you purchase a Verizon Wireless phone, a sales associate typically activates it before you leave the store. But with the popularity of prepaid, no-contract phones that are sold at retail outlets without Verizon customer service agents, some customers must activate their own phones. You can activate a Verizon Wireless mobile phone online or by calling Verizon activation on the phone itself. If activating the phone online, be sure to have your customer receipt, which will contain the order number.
Activate Verizon Phone Online
Go to the 'Activate Your Phone' page on the Verizon Wireless website.
Remove the battery cover from the back of the Verizon Wireless phone. Find the EIN or MEID number. The EIN may look like 'pEIN HEX' or just 'EIN' and will be followed by eight to 11 characters. The first is always a letter between A and F. The MEID may look like 'MEID HEX' and is followed by 14 characters, starting with a letter between A and F.
Enter the cell phone number, billing zip code and EIN or MEID number in the corresponding fields. Press 'Continue.'
Replace the battery cover and power on the Verizon phone.
Enter the order number online; you can find this on the customer receipt. Then enter the last four digits of the primary account holder's Social Security number in the corresponding fields. Follow any additional prompts. Verizon Wireless will program and activate the phone. Once programming is complete, the phone will restart.
Activate From the Phone
Power on the Verizon phone and enter '*228.'
Press '1' to activate a new phone.
Enter the 10-digit mobile number assigned to the phone when prompted.
Enter the last four digits of your social security number. Verizon Wireless will then begin sending signals to program and activate the phone. When activation is complete, the phone will restart on its own. Try to make a test call once the phone has restarted.