They have tended to be reluctant to integrate WAP systems partly because existing products have been dogged with technical problems.
Optimistic observers claim that it will be at least six months before consumers begin to see the benefits in WAP facilities as justification for purchasing them, while others predict that it could take another 18 months.
The delay is attributed to a general perception that WAP devices are slow and inefficient. However, it is generally accepted that the technology is only intended to allow the transmission of short snippets of information such as banking details.
In response to criticisms of WAP service Steve Bennett, chief executive officer of Jungle.com, stated “we don’t believe at any stage it will surpass the PC as a main vehicle for placing orders over the web but we do believe it has a big marketplace and it is something to be considered”.