Method and apparatus for translating resource names in a wireless environment. A method is provided for translating a resource locator in a data network for transmission over a low bandwidth channel to a wireless device. The method includes steps of detecting a resource locator in a message transmitted to the wireless device, wherein the resource locator exceeds a selected length, and compressing the resource locator to obtain a corresponding resource identifier that is shorter in length than the resource locator. The method also comprises steps of substituting the resource identifier for the resource locator in the message to form an updated message, and transmitting the updated message to the wireless device using the low bandwidth channel.