Emirates Telecommunications Corporation - Etisalat, the UAE's telecom services provider, announced the launch of its Wireless Application Protocol - EWAP Service. Subscribers to the service can now, access local and international interactive information all from the convenience of their WAP enabled GSM handsets.

The service, essentially a technology, puts a microbrowser on GSM handsets and a WAP gateway on the GSM network. A WAP enabled GSM handset uses its built0in microbrowser to make a request in WML language to a WAP gateway, which, in turn, retrieves the information from a content/application server. The information is then sent back in binary format from the WAP gateway to the handset. The service then enables people on the move to access text based information, applications and services, anytime, anywhere.

Subscribers to EWAP, can check their email, the latest news, sports scores, airline schedules and stock quotes. They can access the UAE's White and Yellow Page Telephone Directories, find out which movies are playing in cinemas, and check & pay their traffic fines (Dubai Police) - all from the convenience and privacy of their WAP enabled handsets. They can also access all the WAP sites on the Internet.

Subscription to EWAP is easy and very convenient. Both, GSM and WASEL customers can subscribe and register for the EWAP Service simply by dialing "125" from their WAP enabled handsets. There are no connection or quarterly rental charges. Access charges are only 21 fills per minute flat, at all times. An initial configuration for the access is all that is necessary to become a subscriber!
Customers need to refer to their GSM handset manuals for this configuration.

GSM customers will be billed for the EWAP access charges along with their monthly GSM bills. WASEL customers can access EWAP if there is a credit balance in their account.

UAE subscribers having international roaming facility can also access EWAP if they define the dial number +9714004466 in their access setting. International Call Charges in addition to the roaming charges for accessing EWAP from abroad will be applicable.

Etisalat has entered into partnership agreement with several content providers such as Atcell.com, Ducont.com DLJ direct Me, Explore Publishing and Info2cell. Plans are in place to include additional partners in the future. This will enhance quality and content of information available.

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