Provisioning

In telecommunication, provisioning is the act of acquiring telecommunications service from the submission of the requirement through the activation of service.

Traditionally, to provision meant to stock needed materials or supplies; especially a stock of food.

Provisioning can also define the act of supplying a vessel for an extended voyage such as a cruise ship.

Provisioning in the 18th and 19th Century on board sailing ships was even more crucial due to the unknown element of who or what would be available on the other side, when you would get there and how to preserve it.