WAP technology provides interactive services via wireless Internet. An industry standard in Web communication, WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) makes real-time two-way Internet access possible via mobile devices, such as Palm Pilots, BlackBerries, mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

To access WAP services, you need a mobile phone that's WAP compatible (most mobile phones on the market today are equipped with WAP functions) and a contract with a cellular provider. If you’re already in a contract with a provider, all you have to do is change phones. Or you can purchase a WAP pack, which includes* a subscription as well as a connection device that fits your phone.

*Depending on billing conditions applied by your service provider

Currently, WAP is made available via the existing GSM network (Global System for Mobile Communication), the same way it's used on your mobile phone. However, later this year WAP will be switching to the GPRS network (General Packet Radio System), offering permanent Internet connections and more flexibility for end users. For example, billing will now be based on the size of files being transferred, not the time it takes. This changeover will also lower communication costs and dramatically simplify user access. But WAP won't stop there! The GPRS standard merely provides a transitional platform from GSM to UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System), by which it updates mobile devices to make them compatible with these new technologies.

And then tomorrow, the final phase… The UMTS standard will replace GPRS, allowing users to benefit from enhanced broadband performance. Lightning-fast, high-speed access will provide easier transfer of heavy files, such as online photo albums, movie trailers and a whole lot more!

A cross between laptops and electronic planners, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) are miniature pocket computers, such as Palm Pilots, Pocket PCs, Handsprings, etc. Using WAP technology, users can access the Internet from these PDAs simply by linking to a WAP mobile phone. But more and more, PDAs are being designed to connect to the Internet without even needing a separate application or device. The future has never been closer!