By Winfred Kagwe

POCKET-SURFER, a wireless web access device, is to be launched in Uganda by the end of July.

DataWind Corporation, a Canada-based provider of wireless web access products and services, will launch the device, which accesses cellular network directly over a GPRS link.

It downloads web pages in less than nine seconds, making it the fastest hand-held web access device.

The technology provider is working with local telecommunications companies to negotiate who will be the Internet Services Provider.
In Kenya, the device is already on the market and Celtel provides Internet services.

The gadget will cost about $200 (sh320,000), while monthly subscription fees will be between sh30,000 and sh40,000 .

The pocket-surfer will have a 640-pixel LCD screen, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a flat QWERTY keypad and a mouse pointer. It displays Internet pages in their original format.