Wireless Internet: All Dressed Up, Somewhere to Go

The wireless Internet dominated PCS '99 chatter last month. However, underneath the buzz, it was an old idea masquerading as a newer one -- wireless data disguised behind a hip, new moniker. Regardless of what you call it, spokespeople seemed relieved to have real-world performance to cite.

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) bragged about a leadership role in bringing Internet access and other information services taken by cdmaOne carriers. According to CDG Executive Director Perry LaForge, at least eight CDMA carriers have initiated wireless Internet service. Korean carriers, such as KT Freetel, LG Telecom and SK Telecom, have launched 64kb/s data. Sprint PCS, GTE Wireless and Vodafone AirTouch in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada currently are carrying wireless Internet data.

"Wireless carriers have finally taken a toe-in-the-water approach," said LaForge, explaining this approach is appropriate as each figures out market segmentation and distribution.

Matt Desch, Nortel Networks president of global service providers, concurred.

"(Carriers) like Sprint are getting into the data business," he said. "Will 14.4 work? Who knows? But at least they are out there."

One important element of the wireless Internet equation is the handset. Most vendors are delivering phones with Web browsers. One such phone is the NeoPoint 1600, a dual-mode CDMA/AMPS version of the 1000, which Sprint PCS made famous prior to PCS '99. During the show, AirTouch announced it would carry the NeoPoint phone, which supports the company's Internet service, Net Access. This service allows subscribers to use the phone as a wireless modem to connect laptop computers to the Internet or other information networks. On the drawing board are wireless portal services that will work with such smart phones.

Although previous trade shows have centered on new products, PCS '99 was more about emerging and converging ideas. Bell Atlantic COO Lawrence Babbio Jr. cited recent mergers as signaling wireless' coming-of-age. That age is more about making ideas work than just talking about them.

"Technological convergence is less important than functional convergence," he said. "Customers don't care."