Authentication bypass method

A telematics device configured to make a data call via a roaming partner of a service provider, the service provider having an authentication bypass feature which uses an authentication bypass key common to the telematics device and the service provider to allow the telematics device to make a data call through the roaming partner without authentication, the device comprising:

• a communications module that receives a signal to reactivate the telematics device;
• a key generation module that sets the authentication bypass key of the telematics device equal to a previous authentication bypass key, wherein the previous authentication bypass key was used by the authentication bypass feature prior to deactivation of the telematics device, and wherein the service provider resets a corresponding authentication bypass key to the previous authentication bypass key;
• an authentication bypass module that communicates the authentication bypass key to the roaming partner, wherein the service provider allows the telematics device to make the data call upon verifying that the authentication bypass key corresponds to the corresponding authentication bypass key.