So how do you activate a new iPhone 4S?

[Interstella5555]

I completely believe you, I'm just curious how it actually works.
How can this phone, fresh out of the box, know that it should be associated with my phone number?

I was in CA a few years ago when my GF gave me the 2G for my birthday. Like you, I was coming from a dumb phone and didn't understand how I could activate without calling or going to a store, but really, all you need to do is plug into iTunes. you set everything up with your carrier through there, when you purchased the phone it links to your account.

 

[haleigh]

so i got my phone in the mail, turned it on and went through the set up on the phone. that finished, still no service.
plugged it into itunes, but i don't see a spot to activate it or whatever? is it automatic?
but yeah...still no service after an hour
oh & i'm on verizon. old phone is still working.