A UK startup is offering an open source mobile internet server free of charge to stimulate the development of Wap services and applications.

Cambridge-based software provider 3G Lab, founded in March, claims Wap has been held back by expensive and proprietary gateways - the server software that provides the link between mobile phone networks and the internet.

3G Lab launched its Alligata mobile internet server software this week. It is available to download, free of charge, from www.3glab.com. The company is offering support packages priced at between £500 and £5000.

Steve Ives, chief executive of 3G Lab, said: "There are two things needed for Wap to go forward: faster connection speeds and the development of good content. Alligata addresses the second challenge.

"Open source technology will stimulate more innovation, and enable companies of all sizes to develop new content and applications."

3G Lab claims Alligata, compared with its proprietary and costly alternatives, takes a "10:1 factor of cost out of the mobile internet".

The company is working with the developer community to open up the wireless web to the mass commercial market, adding that "what Red Hat did for the server, 3G Lab will do for the mobile internet".