How to use WAP
How to use WAP
How to use WAP 
Most phones are already set-up for WAP use, but some users may find that they have to contact their network provider to activate the service. You need to have a SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card that can handle data transfer and the service needs to be enabled. Most providers have a web or WAP button that you press to connect to the mobile internet service. You would normally be taken straight to your network provider’s main page and from there you can access all manner of information and links. This can be restrictive though as you are limited to that site only but you can work around it if you know the URL of another page you wish to view. There are also search engines that can do the job too.
How do I search?
Just like the search engines on the computer internet, there are search engines on the mobile internet.
A good example is Google, which can be found by entering the URL http://wap.google.com/wml. Just like the search engines on a PC, you type in what you’re looking for and the results matching your search will be displayed.
Entering addresses
On a computer, web pages are usually prefixed by ‘http://’ in the browser bar. On a WAP device the same thing exists but usually via a ‘Go To’ or ‘Enter Address’ screen option. Each device will have a user manual that will explain how to use these functions in detail.
There is also a generic way to do this, regardless of phone. From the home page, you select the ‘Search’ option from near the bottom of the list. From there, choose the ‘Go to URL’ option and the http:// prompt will appear. Enter the address that you’re looking for and off you go. There is no need to put ‘www’ in front of addresses as you would on a computer, for example. You can enter addresses of WAP sites that you know and be taken to the WAP site. All of the typing is done by means of the phone or device’s alphanumeric keypad.
Is there an easier way to navigate?
Yes. On 2G phones, there’s a global service called WordDial which enables you to dial the word (using numbers) of the topic, product or service you’re looking for into the ‘Enter Address’ or ‘Go to URL’ space, then add .com, and WordDial takes you directly to a WAP site that collates information and provides links on that topic along with other links of interest.
If you type in 65967427.com to spell out Olympics using the phone’s keypad, or 6397.com for News, you will be taken to sites providing information and links about the Olympics and news respectively. This service works for plenty of things; all you need to do is number-spell the word of the topic that you’re looking for.
For 3G phones, you can use a WAP search engine such as one provided by Google to access WAP enabled mobile internet instead of inputting number codes.
What are good things to search for?
Many people use their WAP enabled devices to search for fast, clear and succinct information on the move. Good choices to use WAP for include:
- News headlines
- Train timetables
- Flight departures and arrivals
- Buy various tickets for various events
- Check sport results
- Download free ringtones
- Access to free wallpapers
- Get screensavers
- Phone software updates
- Check share prices
- Collect Email
- Play games
- Download books
- Instant messaging or ‘chat’
- Online banking
- Travel information (e.g. service disruptions on the London Underground)