AOL Europe develops content for mobile phones

AOL Europe, the European joint venture between Bertelsmann and America Online (AOL), has confirmed that it is developing Internet content compatible with mobile phones.

AOL is keen to get its so-called AOL-anywhere service off the ground in Europe because far more Europeans use mobile phones than surf the Net.

The service provider said it is developing content that will work on Nokia and Ericsson mobile phones and RTS Network's wireless phone software.

As well as providing news and information services on Internet-capable mobile phones, AOL said it is working on so-called always-on wireless technology which lets users know when friends and work colleagues are sending email through their phones.

"Mobile phones and Internet devices are here now, and we will move rapidly to offer customers and other mobile users across Europe the same commitment to quality, convenience and community they have enjoyed on the PC," said Andreas Schmidt, president and chief executive of AOL Europe.

Schmidt said AOL Europe will ensure that its mobile portals are compatible with current SMS and wireless application protocol (Wap) technology, and the next generation General Packet Radio Service. "AOL anywhere will be available to the broadest possible audience", he said.

AOL plans to begin its first Wap content trials across the UK, France and Germany later this month.