Cell Phone Software Makers Tweak Browsers

U.S. Cellular has launched a Web browser for users of its cell phone network that can be purchased on a daily of monthly basis.

Called nweb, the browser can be purchased for $4.99 a month or $1.19 a day by users of scores of cell phones activated on U.S. Cellular's 4.8-million-user network, the company said. The service includes a password protection feature. Developed by wireless software maker Novarra, the browser includes quick links to a variety of Web sites ranging from maps and news to sports scores and stock quotes.

"Nweb gives customers complete control over the content they choose to view and not be limited to Web sites selected by their wireless providers," said Alan Ferber, the firm's vice president of marketing, in a Tuesday press release.

In another development involving cell phone browsers Wednesday, Qualcomm said it will offer contextual shopping capability with Opera Software's mobile Web browser. The Qualcomm-Opera shopping service enables vendors and users to surf the Web for products and services and to make payments online.