• NOTES ON MOBILE INTERNET ACCESS
This section gives a brief overview of mobile Internet technology.
Technology background
WAP
A technology called Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is to mobile
devices what the World Wide Web (WWW) is to personal computers. The
mobile community began developing WAP several years ago to provide
access to Internet sites designed for mobile users.
Today, most WAP sites are made up of text and hyperlinks. Some pages
even contain low-resolution graphics, or require data input. Your service
provider and others are free to design WAP sites as they choose, so the
sites are as variable as Web pages on the Internet.
Internet content on your personal computer is called a “web page.”
Internet content on your mobile phone is called a “page,” “WAP card,” or
a “Deck of cards.”
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a technology used to send and
receive data via short bursts or packets over the wireless network. GPRS
allows you to stay connected to the Internet. This feature allows for faster
downloads of information and no time spent completing a dial-up connection.
Applications using GPRS include the WAP browser and text messaging.
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For information about how to track time spent online, see “Check
data calls” on page 52.
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For information about sending messages via GPRS, see the entry for
Use GPRS under “Choose other message settings” on page 96.
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For availability, pricing, and subscription to GPRS services, contact
your service provider.
The service provider’s role
Because mobile Internet content is designed to be viewed from your
phone, your wireless service provider now becomes your “mobile Internet
service provider” as well.
It’s likely that your service provider has created a home page and set up your
browser to go to this page when you log on to the Internet. Once at your
service provider’s home page, you’ll find links to a number of other sites.