A Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) phone is a mobile phone capable of Internet connectivity. A WAP phone can be used to do things like check email, send messages, track stocks, access news and sports headlines, or download music. While a WAP phone cannot deliver the same visually pleasing Internet experience as a desktop or laptop computer, it opens the door to mobile Internet access and on-the-go productivity.

WAP is an international Internet standard specifically developed for mobile devices, including WAP phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other hand-helds. Nokia, Sony Ericsson, the Unwired Planet and Motorola initially developed the WAP standard. The challenge was in bringing the Internet to mechanisms that, by necessary design, included many inherent constraints.

A cell phone screen is extremely limited, some as small as 150x150 pixels. Most Web content is designed to display on monitors with a minimal resolution of 640x480 pixels. A cell phone must also rely on scrolling keys versus a keyboard and mouse; and the typical mobile device has a transfer rate of only 14.4 kilobytes per second (kbps). Dial-up is a lightening fast 56kbps comparatively, to say nothing of digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable speeds.

WAP addresses these challenges by providing mobile-specific language protocols and scripts. Graphics, which would take forever to load, are virtually eliminated. WAP phone content is text-based and simply arranged for easy navigation with scrolling menus. Hence, a Web page will appear quite different on your WAP phone, than it appears on your desktop. Mobile Internet emphasizes functionality over form, utilizing the smallest data footprint possible to compensate for slower data transfer speeds.

While the micro-browser of the WAP phone might appear to be lacking compared to a desktop, a WAP phone has the advantage of fitting in a pocket or purse. It is extremely convenient to have online access from the car, campus, airport, taxi, parking lot, or wherever you happen to be at the time. Get weather reports, find a nearby restaurant, look up a phone number, check a game score, book tickets or shop. A WAP phone also provides a great way to pass the time when waiting for a service or appointment.

WAP is in continual development and major websites are making more WAP content available for mobile browsing. Fees for accessing the Internet through a WAP phone will differ according to the chosen cell phone plan and carrier. If you will be using your WAP phone frequently for online access and you do not currently have a cell phone, shop for the best carrier first. Contract plans will include a phone. If you currently own a cell phone and would like to upgrade to a WAP phone, be sure to choose a phone compatible with your carrier.