U S West Inc. has become the latest domestic carrier to join the wireless Internet revolution with the launch of BrowseNow, a Web-enabled phone service it said integrates the company’s wireline and wireless Internet services into one package.
BrowseNow is an HDML-based solution using network server and handset microbrowser technology from Phone.com Inc. The carrier said it will supply UP.Browser-enabled handsets from Qualcomm Inc. and Motorola Inc.
The company said it hopes to offer the Nokia 6185 Web-enabled Code Division Multiple Access phone soon and is looking at future models of the NeoPoint handset. In addition, U S West is looking at several other big-screen devices expected to come out later this year, including palmtop devices with voice capabilities from the Symbian initiative.
U S West essentially is positioning BrowseNow as a wireless extension of its existing Internet capabilities, differentiating themselves by leveraging the U S West.net wireline Internet service.
“We realize wireless Internet is an important market to be in. But we also realize its just a part of the overall Internet experience,” said Jamey Mills, product manager at U S West. “We chose to integrate with our own ISP.”
So BrowseNow will offer the same user interface for e-mail, Internet access U S West DEX online directory assistance and desktop calendar services on a Web-enabled phone as it does for those using desktop computers, only optimized for a smaller screen, the company said.
U S West.net customers will retain the same e-mail address, passcode and preferences as on their computers. Those signing up for the BrowseNow service who aren’t U S West.net customers may keep this same information if they eventually do.
“They’re tied together because our focus is to have one service and multiple ways to access it,” Mills said. “It’s not just about the wireless Internet. It’s important people understand this is about big screens and small screens.”
Customers can set up a personalized home page for both wireline and wireless access for such information as stock quotes, sports scores, weather information and news, as well as e-mail filtering options. U S West DEX services include nationwide yellow and white pages listings and driving instructions.
In extending these wireline services to the wireless environment, U S West enlisted the help of InfoSpace Inc. The carrier said it would use InfoSpace’s wireless Internet platform to offer the BrowseNow services.
BrowseNow’s pricing reflects the push toward wireline and wireless integration. U S West.net customers pay $20 a month for the service, while non-U S West.net users pay $30 a month, both in addition to their existing voice plan and U S West.net ISP fee. However, that’s a flat rate service. Minutes used on the wireless Internet do not count towards the voice minutes plan. To promote the new service U S West is offering half off the BrowseNow pricing plans through the end of July.
