Just imagine being able to walk along the street and instantly access tourist information about nearby cafes, museums and universities from the palm of your hand. Or imagine being able to switch on lights and household appliances anywhere in the world using a handheld device connected to a wireless network. 

These are some of the exciting wireless applications being showcased for the first time in Australia by members of the m.Net Developer Forum at the World Congress on IT in Adelaide. “We are providing a global platform for developers to demonstrate a series of wireless Internet applications,” m.Net Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ekiert said. m.Net has installed a third generation (3G) cellular test bed network in Adelaide’s “North Terrace Precinct” incorporating the latest UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) wireless technologies to provide researchers and developers with an opportunity to stretch the boundaries of mobile communications. “3G provides users of handheld computers and next generation mobile phones with unprecedented access to information and services,” he said. “We want to show people these applications to highlight the benefits that become possible when people have broadband access to the Internet over mobile networks.” The primary role of m.Net is to facilitate the development of applications for the 3G networks, capitalizing on the convergence of Internet and wireless technologies which will revolutionise the way people live and conduct business. “One of the most exciting applications is the Virtual Tourist which provides a location-based service over the wireless network allowing people to access valuable tourist information,” he said. m.Net is a unique consortium of multinationals, Australian IT and telecommunication companies and Universities, which was established to drive the growth of the emerging mobile Internet industry in Australia. “m.Net combines world class expertise and resources to stimulate new ideas and facilitate the development of the future mobile economy,” he said. “m.Net is providing researchers and application developers with unparalleled access to new network infrastructure and supporting services that can speed the development of wireless applications and provide a base for the global mobile commerce industry.” “While 3G is still at the embryonic stage, the potential of this new mobile communications technology is far-reaching.” m.Net has been supported by the Corporation of the City of Adelaide and the South Australian Government, and has been awarded a $9.23m grant from the Commonwealth Government of Australia Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts under its Advanced Networks Program.