Frequently asked questions

O2CS251 PDA 13/4/02 9:17 am Page 36

What is Mobile Web?

Mobile Web is a new service that enables you to access the full Internet, on the move. You can access any web site, including those you currently visit on your work or home PC.

In addition, our special portal designed for PDA users – O2 PDA homepage – contains a wide range of handheld PC/PDA-friendly sites.

How does Mobile Web compare to the Internet service I get at home?

Mobile Web is very similar to the Internet experience you get at home† – it’s just more convenient. With the right devices, you can access Mobile Web, whenever and wherever you want.*

†compared to standard PSTN dial-up line * subject to network coverage

How does Mobile Web work?

You can view the Internet on your handheld PC/PDA or laptop using a GPRS device to access the Mobile Web service. You need to subscribe to Mobile Web, and go through a simple once-only set up process before you can use the service. Once you are set up, it takes only seconds to connect to the Internet.

What is GPRS?

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. With much higher data transfer speeds than the GSM service used for voice calls, text messages, and WAP services, GPRS is ideal for mobile Internet access.

How is Mobile Web different from WAP?

Mobile Web gives you access to the full Internet. Using an Internet browser, you can view literally millions of different websites – in full colour – on a PDA or laptop screen. WAP screens enable you to view text-based information, only.

How does surfing the Internet via Mobile Web compare to using GSM?

Because Mobile Web uses our GPRS service and advanced data compression technology, you can expect speeds up to 5 times faster than with GSM. With GPRS, you are only billed for the amount of data you send and receive. So, you pay for what you do, not the amount of time it takes you to do it. In addition, with GPRS, if you are online when someone calls, your phone will still ring and you can take the call. When you’ve finished, you’re immediately back online.

How does surfing the Internet over Mobile Web compare to using High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD)?

With Mobile Web, you are only billed for the amount of data you send and receive, not the time it takes you. With HSCSD you are charged for all the time you are connected. And with HSCSD, you can’t take voice calls while you’re online.

Why charge per MB and not per minute?

Because, this way, you’re effectively charged for what you do, not the amount of time it takes you to do it. After you have downloaded a web page or email you can take as long as you like to read it – it won’t cost a penny more.

How much does it cost to send an email?

An email is charged on the basis of how much data you send or receive. You may need to click through a few pages to get to your Internet based inbox, so the amount of data (and therefore cost) will differ depending on the nature of the pages. A typical PC-sized text only email page should take approximately 10KB to download.

How much does it cost to look at a web-page?

Web pages are also charged by the volume of data you send or receive. You may need to click through a few pages to get to the page you want, so the amount of data (and therefore the cost) will differ depending on the nature of the pages. One typical PC- sized page with images should take approximately 35KB to download.

What happens if my PDA loses all its memory?

If, for example, your battery runs out completely, you will have to run through the complete set-up procedure again.

Do I need to have an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to use Mobile Web?

Not at all. O2 is your mobile service provider – though you may wish to continue using your existing ISP for services such as email.

How can I update the O2 Mobile Web application when a new version comes out?

Every 30 days your PC will automatically check to see if a newer version, or new handset modem drivers are available. You can choose to run the ‘Auto Update Agent’ when it appears, or click ‘Cancel’. If you choose to proceed the new version or drivers will download and install automatically when you next ‘sync’

Can I access my company LAN with Mobile Web?

No, the service does not provide LAN access, unless your company provides Internet access to your LAN. If your company has POP3 or IMAP4 access into your company LAN-based email, you may be able to use Mobile Web to access your email over the Internet. You should ask your company IT Manager whether you have this technology in your company.

O2 also has a range of services that provide email and LAN access to company systems, including ‘Blackberry’ – a handheld device that gives mobile access to company email and other services. You should talk to your Service Provider about the options available from O2 to access LANs on the move.

Mobile Web does enable you to have access to Internet-based email and the full Internet through a range of devices. You can also choose to read and reply to work based email offline.

Need help with Mobile Web?

If you have difficulty connecting to our Mobile Web service, please contact your Service Provider. Alternatively, you’ll find detailed information on setting up your laptop and using the Mobile Web service on our web site.

Visit: www.o2.co.uk/mobileweb