A system and method for determining the context of a wireless device is disclosed. An emitter (108) transmits an infrared signal to a wireless client (112). Emitter (108) is placed at a known location and has a known coverage area associated therewith. The location and coverage area form a locational context for emitter (108) and a client (112) located within the coverage area. Emitter (108) receives data from a service provider (102). The received data is relevant to the locational context of emitter (108). Emitter (108) transmits the data to client (112) using a diffuse infrared signal (142). Client (112) receives the signal and processes it such that only information of interest to a user of client (112) is displayed.