A distribution control system is provided to support the controlled and selective changing of utility for a target. The target with controlled utility may be an electronic device, or alternatively, may be a tangible media, such as an optical disc. The distribution control system has a target with a change effecting device and a restricted access key. An activation device retrieves or generates an authorization key, and sends the authorization key to the target. The authorization key may be sent to the target wirelessly, for example, using a radio frequency signal. The target has logic that uses the restricted access key and the authorization key to change the utility of the target. In one example, the activation device retrieves the authorization key from a network operation center (NOC) by sending a target identifier to the NOC, and the NOC retrieves the authorization key for the identified target. The activation device may also connect to other systems for obtaining approval to change the utility of the target. For example, the authorization key may be sent to the target upon receiving payment, password, or other confirmation.