SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPGRADING MOBILE HANDSET

A handset upgrading system and method which permit cellular customers to upgrade their handset without visiting a local telephone store, providing a totally automated upgrade service, including application, delivery, and functional verification of new handsets. A requesting customer applies online for handset upgrade service and receives an application filing number from the system. Upon delivery of a new handset with an upgrade password, the customer calls up the system to request switching to the new handset, during which an ID code retrieving unit obtains from the network the identification code of the mobile handset that the customer is currently using. The request is verified by an upgrade request validation unit, based on the application filing number, upgrade password, reservation record, and identification code of the handset. If the request is validated, a switchover command unit directs a telephone exchange to change its setup. To ensure the result of upgrading, a mail and voice function verification units verify the mail and voice functions of the new handset, using a mail server and an interactive voice response (IVR) system, respectively.