(8 October 1999)On the occasion of TELECOM 99 + INTERACTIVE 99 (Geneva, 10-17 October 1999), the State of Geneva introduces Geneva-nOw --- The World's First Personal Mobile City and Event Guide.

Geneva-nOw is an intuitive, easy-to-use and interactive mobile service which turns a mobile phone, using WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), into the ultimate value-added knowledge source.

Geneva-nOw provides local, instantaneous and live information anytime, anywhere.

This unique service is open and freely accessible to all users of "WAP Enabled" mobile devices. By consulting the display menus of their handset, users can access an abundance of information and services which are relevant and to timely to both their stay in Geneva, and to their attendance to an event such as TELECOM'99.

Examples of Geneva-nOw content include:

Geneva-nOw will be updated real-time during TELECOM 99 based on changing events. In order to ensure utmost information usefulness and accuracy, the State of Geneva is working with on-line editors such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Geneva Tourist Office, and the Tribune de Gen�ve (local newspaper).

Geneva-nOw was conceived by the State of Geneva in partnership with the private company GES S.A., a specialist in emerging telecommunication technologies. Geneva Financial Center participated in the initial financing of the project.

Geneva-nOw is formally launched at TELECOM 99 through a multi-vendor WAP Technology Showcase. Hewlett-Packard is co-ordinating the showcase, and co-sponsoring the event along with the WAP Forum.

This new service is expected to have a promising future. Given the multitude of international conferences and meetings that take place in Geneva, including medical congress, there is the opportunity to offer mobile phone users important information on events and on the region. In addition, Geneva-nOw technology allows for the opportunity of building and organizing welcome services, orientation, and support for other urban communities in Switzerland, as well as in other countries of the world.

A year and a half ago, the start of this project was a bet on the future. The accomplishment of Geneva-nOw represents today a concrete vision, which makes Geneva a pioneer of The Mobility Revolution.

Media Officers

Geneva-nOw
State of Geneva
Mr. J�r�me KOECHLIN
Tel. +41 22 319 2203
[email protected]

Hewlett-Packard
Mr. Dave BOUFFARD
Public Relations Manager
tel. +41 22 780 8642
[email protected]

WAP Forum
Mr. David NIELAND
BSMG Worldwide
tel. +1 972 830 2663
[email protected]

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