Information is power

So with the ever-widening access to information — brought about by expanding communication networks — huge numbers of people are already experiencing the true power of information through the Internet. And with Internet access now available on mobile phones, power is quite literally being placed in people's own hands.

The Internet has already turned into an integral part and driving force of the contemporary civilization, enabling the mankind to establish effective communications. It provides immediate access to billions of pages of information and vast databases, allowing users to receive, send and process information in real time.

As information technologies continue to develop at an astounding pace, mobile operators, telecommunications equipment manufacturers and information suppliers are keeping pace with the ever-increasing demand for the latest digital information services. Analysts estimate that the number of cellular network customers will exceed 1 billion by 2010, and most mobile phones sold by that time will be multimedia-capable. Their owners will have practically unlimited opportunities to use and process information from the Internet.

Ukraine's most innovative cellular service provider, Kyivstar GSM, has already taken the first step towards realizing these opportunities by introducing WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology, which provides wireless access to the Internet.

Although WAP for the World Wide Web has only recently appeared in the Western cellular communications markets, its user-friendliness has already brought it immense popularity with cellular network customers and Internet users. On the one hand, mobile phone owners can access information on the Internet or the Intranet easily and safely no matter where they are: in a meeting, on a business or pleasure trip. On the other hand, numerous Internet fans have also appreciated this service because it saves them the money and trouble of buying rather expensive computers, choosing a provider and sorting out other complex problems.

In addition to traditional and popular services such as "Startext" (short mobile-to-mobile messages), "Starmail" (voice mail) and "Starpage" (paging messages), Kyivstar GSM customers now have an unrivaled opportunity to receive a wide range of information for business and private use via the "Mobile Internet — WAP Access" service.

Imagine you're going on a business trip. You're traveling by air and are able to look up the flight schedule on your phone, and even book a flight from the comfort of your office. On the way to the airport, check in for the flight and order your in-flight meal. Next, you could check out the weather at your destination — so you know whether to leave your raincoat and umbrella in the car. Our example gives just some of the services soon to be available.

The current range of services includes the latest political, stock exchange and sports news, weather forecasts and exchange rates for any currency.

Apart from that, you can use your phone to find out what entertainment is on offer at your favorite nightclub, have a chuckle at the joke of the day or dial up a witty toast to give at dinner.

And "Mobile Internet — WAP Access" is growing fast: the range of information available will constantly expand, bringing additional benefits to users.

In the future, the "Mobile Internet" package will enable you to send and receive e-mail, search for hotels, restaurants etc., buy goods, use banking services, manage your business, gain access to the Intranet and a host of other things.

Ex. IV. Study the supplementary list of words below:

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