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World2000 105libraries, videoconferencing, etc.) the screen savers and personalised rings, as well as access to a corporateIntranet… all constitute possible channels for valorising this aspect of mobile Internet.Permanent availability: ("always on and always with you") opens the way to contextualisation of services. To theextent that this personal terminal is always in the client's pocket or within reach, operators will be able to definepersonalised service offerings aimed at maximizing use of the terminal according to users' requirementsthroughout the day (niche time services), by offering, for example, games, commercial promotions and informationor news during commuters' or students' waiting and travel time.Locating: Whether via GPS or an evaluation via triangulation originating with the terrestrial radio signal, mobileInternet can take advantage of user locating to offer traffic and itinerary information, alerts, information on nearbyservices, etc.Naturally, it is by combining these attributes that operators' creativity can achieve its full impact.ServicesEntertainmentMessagingBanking &brokerageLocating &assistancee-commerceApplicationsMusic (extracts, forums, people)Beginning this year: digital (MP3 and GPRS) musicdownloads onto a cardGames, real timePre-installed, downloaded…Inter-personal communication (SMS, instantmessaging Unified messaging, e-mail,Interactive services platform (informational in PushPull, transactional)Banking (consultation, card status, transfers, Billpayment, on-line credit)Brokerage (rates, transactions, alerts)GPS geodependent applicationsConsumer – pedestrian or driver (shopping, hotelrestaurant,itinerary…)Corporate (fleet management, delivery routeoptimisations…)Travel reservation and purchasingLive event ticket reservation & purchasingAuctionsDistant buyingSource: IDATEThe hopes resting on GPRSThe obvious limitations encountered during WAP's initial forays are now generally recognised, particularly inview of the fact that they are expected to be eliminated with the advent of GPRS (General Packet RadioService) technology in Europe. Transmission in packet mode which GPRS offers, does indeed present anumber of advantages:- a much shorter access time ("always on" function),- a higher transmission speed (20 to 40 kps in 2001-2002 and, at term, over 100kbs on multislot terminals),- llowered transmission costs thanks to better use of the transmission band, with billing no longer perminute but rather per Kbyte.The 2001 market launch of mobile Internet via GPRS services has been the subject of announcements fromthe majority of operators.© IDATE www.idate.fr