GPRS is short for General Packet Radio Services. It transfers data over the GSM mobile phone network in small packets. According to this site, it is a packet-based wireless communication service that promises continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users. This will enable you to make telephone calls and transmit data at the same time. Besides, you can browse the Internet in colour, send email from wherever you are, video chat with friends and interact with multimedia sites using mobile devices.

You say it is packet-based. But what's a packet?

A packet, according to SearchNetworking, is the "unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the Internet or any other packet-switched network." When information is sent from one place to another, it gets broken up into smaller packets. Each packet is transmitted separately and they are reassembled at the other end. This is how it works on the Web - which explains why it allows you many more options than Circuit Switched Data (CSD).

But I still don't see why everyone is suddenly talking about it.

Well, that is because BPL Mobile recently introduced this wireless technology in India. It was introduced in Mumbai mid-January.

So, can I connect to the Net using my existing mobile phone?

Depends on whether you have a GPRS handset. Some models that allow you to use the service are: Motorola V66, Motorola P7389, Siemens ME45, Nokia 8310, Ericsson T39 and Ericsson T68.

I have a GPRS handset, now how do I connect to the Net?

Simply plug your cell phone into your home PC, Laptop, or PDA. You don't need to dial up, and you can be online wherever you go. To plug in the cell phone, you need a mobile phone to laptop/PC data cable. This component is available at your mobile phone dealer. You will also require the mobile messaging software (it comes with your data cable). You then connect the data cable to the communication port of your computer known as the RS 232 connector.

And all this while, I thought GPRS was a device that helped you zero in on geographical positions!

Well, the device you have in mind is a GPS (Global Positioning System); not to be confused with GPRS.

Are the speeds any good? Or will I have to wait ages to receive pages?

Theoretically, the maximum speed obtainable is 171.2 Kbps. "This is about three times as fast as the data transmission speeds possible over today's fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current Circuit Switched Data services on GSM networks," says Mobile GPRS. But practically speaking, how fast GPRS is will depend on the number of people who are simultaneously using the mobile network, and also on the quality of coverage.

As this write-up points out, if a user had the timeslots to himself, he could even get 38.4 Kbps when receiving data. But that isn't realistically possible. A BPL Mobile helpline operator cited speeds between 17 and 20 Kbps.

How much will the service cost?

That depends on your service provider. BPL offers GPRS at Rs 750 per month.

What would specialised GPRS equipment look like?

GSM World asked a number of leading wireless manufacturers to showcase their images of how the GPRS phone, handset, terminals or device of the near future might look. Click on the camera icons in order to see them.

You have told me the good part. But what about the downsides?

According to GSM World the limitations include transit delays and no store and forward options.