Leuven, Belgium – March 9, 2006 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that Vodafone Germany has chosen Option’s new breed of fixed-wireless device, the GlobeSurfer® ICON. The GlobeSurfer® ICON, marketed as Vodafone Zuhause EasyBox, further opens up the potential for Vodafone to lead the emerging fixed wireless convergence market. In addition Vodafone also selected the GlobeTrotter HSDPA data card to further complement its range of wireless HSDPA data solutions. Vodafone will demonstrate both the GlobeSurfer® ICON and Option’s GlobeTrotter HSDPA data card at CeBIT 2006 (Hannover, 9 – 15 March 2006).
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “We know Vodafone is always looking for innovative and cutting-edge products which provide great value to their customers and drive customer usage. Our partnership with Vodafone is an example of how world leaders can combine their know-how to develop and bring to market innovative products. The Vodafone Zuhause EasyBox is a simple to use product, ideal for consumers accessing the internet from their homes.”
Announced at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona last month, the GlobeSurfer® ICON is the fixed-wireless that delivers simple and fast wireless broadband connectivity for consumer or business applications whether at home or at work. With its DSL comparable data speed and zero-installation, the GlobeSurfer® ICON connects, and is powered, through any Desktop or Laptop USB port. Using patented technology, GlobeSurfer® ICON is truly plug ‘n play with zero user intervention. This means no user install, no application or driver CD. All the user needs is to do is simply plug GlobeSurfer® ICON into an available USB port and connect to the internet, wirelessly.
GlobeSurfer® ICON supports numerous features to enable multiple service offerings such as network lock, cell lock, and home-zoning. Over an HSDPA network, GlobeSurfer® ICON enables connection to the Internet at data speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps. In areas where HSDPA service is not available ICON can connect over 3G UMTS at up to 384 kbps, and quad-band EDGE/GPRS at up to 247 kbps.
ABOUT OPTION:
Option NV (www.option.com), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSDPA and UMTS), EDGE, GPRS, GSM and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option’s headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development in Leuven, a Software and Applications development centre in Adelsried (Germany), a Wireless Router development centre in Stockholm (Sweden) and an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411
E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 411
E-mail: investor@option.com