SAO PAULO, Brazil-Brazilian wireless carrier Telesp Celular said it began offering Internet access services based on the Wireless Application Protocol. The WAAAP-The Pocket Internet service allows users to send and receive e-mail; access bank accounts; and receive online news, traffic conditions, restaurant and movie recommendations, horoscopes, games and other services.
The service initially will be available to postpaid customers whose handsets are properly equipped with mini-Internet browsers. It will be available throughout Telesp Celular’s CDMA digital coverage area in July, and the service will be available to prepaid clients thereafter.
The carrier said it has entered agreements with its handset suppliers to keep the cost of WAP-enabled handsets down to levels that offer value to customers and promote expansion of the Pocket Internet service. A variety of handsets with Internet access will begin at about $220.
WAAAP has no monthly service subscription charges, and the communications cost is the same as the local use charge.
Telesp Celular said it is the first cellular company in Sao Paulo state to offer wireless Internet access. It has invested about $55 million to launch the service and expects to have more than 500,000 subscribers to the service by December.
