WVAS, SMS, IVR, WAP, 2G, 2.5G, 3G, ..... the technology explained ....

WVAS or Wireless Value-Added Services involves the transmission of digital data to or from a mobile phone using various technologies and standards such as SMS, MMS, WAP, Java™, and BREW™. Common WVAS include ringtones, picture downloads, and entertainment services.

Short Messaging Services, or SMS, enable mobile phone users to send and receive text messages comprised of words or numbers or both.

Multimedia Messaging Services, or MMS, allow mobile phone users to send graphics, photos, pictures and audio from one mobile phone to another.

Wireless Application Protocol, or WAP is a 2.5G software protocol for menu-based access to advanced, content-rich wireless services. In China,WAP services are provided through interfaces called WAP portals which are operated by China Unicom and China Mobile. In contrast to SMS, WAP operates at a significantly higher bandwidth, which enables users to access, browse, search and download services, much like the way you would access Internet applications on a personal computer through a web browser like Netscape or Explorer.

Interactive Voice Response or IVR is a term used to describe services that allow mobile phone users to dial a number that responds to user input in the form of spoken words or more commonly signaling by dialing buttons. Users can then listen to prerecorded voice messages such as songs or jokes, or listen to installment of "mobile novels".

2G or second generation mobile services refer to simple, mobile voice communications and low speed data services. The 2G phase began in China in the mid-1990s and much of this technology is still in use. The 2G cell phone features digital voice encoding. The major 2G mobile network platforms are CDMA, TDMA, and GSM. Since its inception, 2G technology has steadily improved with increased bandwidth, packet routing, and the introduction of multimedia.

2.5G mobile services fall between the second and third generations of wireless technology. China is currently undergoing a raid shift from 2G to 2.5G services. 2.5G capability is usually associated with General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). Each successive generation provides a higher data rate and additional capabilities.

3G or third generation mobile services refer to near-future developments in personal and business wireless technology, especially mobile communications. Various 3G technologies platforms are currently being tested in China, and the chinese government is expected to award licenses to one or more mobile operators to offer 3G services in the near future, although the exact timing is not clear. The third generation, as its name suggests, follows the first generation (1G) and second generation (2G) in wireless communications. Ultimately, 3G is expected to include enhanced multimedia (voice, data, video, and remote control), usability on all popular communication modes (cellular telephone, e-mail, paging, fax, videoconferencing, and Web browsing), higher speeds, as well as roaming capabilities throughout Europe, Japan, and North America. The ultimate 3G system might be operational from any location on, or over, the earth's surface.