| WAP stands for Wireless Application Protocol and is the mobile
standard in providing users with Internet access on their mobile
handsets. WAP is still relatively ‘simple’ due to
the restrictions set by the majority of mobiles available on
the commercial market but as mobiles develop with new technology
this may change.
WAP connects to networks using 2 types of connection: GPRS
and GSM. GPRS is used in the more modern mobiles and it connects
faster at 115 kilobits than GSM which connects at 9.6.
WAP is supported by all operating systems which are specifically
engineered for handheld devices include PalmOS, EPOC, Windows
CE, FLEXOS, OS/9, and JavaOS.
The origins of WAP began in 1995, with the formation of a
company called Unwired Planet dedicated in developing internet
handset based solutions. Within months, they managed to lure
Nokia, Ericsson, and Motorola in join in launching the WAP
Forum.
In 1997, WAP was launched to the Public. At the beginning
WAP phones did not catch on with the consumer due to its limited
functionality, black and white display and slow connection
times which meant it was quite expensive. But as times has
changed quicker download times, more and more phones displaying
colour images and many of the networks offering cheap rates
on WAP, WAP is beginning to pick up momentum.
So what sort of services can WAP provide? Many of the major
networks in the UK can offer the user news, sport etc but
to personalise your mobile you can download ringtones, games,
images and more depending on the capability of your mobile.
Many of the major networks will provide their own ringtone
services but there are more independent sites starting to
provide top quality ringtones as well.
Please follow the links page to go to these sites.
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