Implications on Mobility: GPRS: Features and Implications

Growth in Development of Wireless Access Devices
ааааа The arrival of the General Packet Radio Service triggers growth in demand and development for wireless devices that are capable of providing "always on" access to the Internet. GPRS allows devices - such as the digital mobile phone - personalization, localization, and mobility of information, from the information mecca -- the Internet. Although the concept of an 'Internet connection you can bring along' or a "mobile Internet" is not new to consumers, GPRS brings this medium on to a higher level of experience for the consumer. Mobile phone users who have previously subscribed to Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) services to connect to the Internet can now avail of GPRS technology, a faster more cost-efficient option to subscribers. But, of course, that excludes the purchase of a new phone unit.

ааааа The demand in the mobile devices market, most especially the mobile phone, will most likely be driven by voice subscribers who are likely to adopt data service because of improved network performance and the benefits of having Internet applications available at your disposal through your mobile phone. This trend shows us the movement of innovation towards a fusion of and data and information and access technology.

ааааа The improved mobile Internet experience provided by GPRS will drive consumers towards GPRS-enabled wireless devices. The Latest iBook by Apple Computers is an example of a wireless device Examples of these are mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Walkmans, MP3 Players, in-car systems, and laptops. These wireless devices can access information ranging from streaming audio, video, maps, and other forms of information from the Internet at a speed faster than the regular fixed line, desktop connections. The increased capacity of GPRS also enhances the capability of enabled devices to download and view multimedia files at faster download speeds.

ааааа Customer demand and competition for wireless devices will further development in new but similar technologies, and promote development of that which already exists. Mobile devices will grow towards being data-oriented, user friendly and more convenient, thanks to the limited screen capacity of small devices, that require less content but more information for the user. Handset capabilities should be expected to evolve more, requiring lesser keystrokes and adapting voice recognition capabilities more.

ааааа With the advent of GPRS technology, mobile information-centric technology require GPRS to access the Internet better, and mobile access-centric technology can add information components to be able to exploit the capabilities offered by the new technology. These are naturally dependent on whether or not the users will adopt the new technology, an issue that mobile operators have to address. But as a whole, the impact of this technology is in mobilizing information by allowing mobile devices better access, to Internet, a well-spring information, that is global in scope. Because of this connection to the Internet, widespread use of GPRS-enabled technology signal change in the information on the Internet.

Other Implications of GPRS:
	Perception of the users of Internet
	Organizational Communication

This research paper is presented to Mr. Vicente G. Groyon III as partial fulfillment of the requirements in Communication Technology. Copyright й 2001.