Cingular completes first 3.6MBPS data call with Option Data Card
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS:
Commercial 3G Network Used to Showcase HSDPA Evolution
LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2006 – Cingular didn’t need any luck in Vegas today as it became the first wireless carrier in the world to complete a mobile data call using a 3.6Mbps (megabit per second) HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) device and its commercial 3G network.
Cingular showcased its Las Vegas HSDPA network by carrying the live call using a laptop computer equipped with an Option Wireless PC Modem Card and Qualcomm’s MSM6280 chipset. The company said it will showcase the potential of its network technology tonight at this year’s Digital Experience event at the Bellagio hotel.
“We continuously strive to enhance our customers’ wireless experience, using technology to deliver the most advanced data services and the highest quality voice services available,” said Kris Rinne, chief technology officer for Cingular Wireless. “The flexibility of using HSDPA in our network gives us the ability to significantly increase data connection speeds as the market demands.”
Commercial HSDPA service is available in Las Vegas and 15 other cities. Cingular’s BroadbandConnect service provides downlink speeds between 400-700Kbps (kilobits per second) with bursts to over one Mbps. Cingular plans to offer HSDPA service in most major markets by the end of 2006.
HSDPA/UMTS technology is the global standard and natural 3G evolutionary path for GSM providers. Wireless carriers offering UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) can upgrade their networks to HSDPA and be assured there is a continued evolutionary path to faster speeds and more advanced services.
To date, there are more than 50 HSDPA networks planned or in deployment, plus eight announced trials. UMTS services are already offered on 95 commercial networks in 45 countries with an additional 67 UMTS networks in deployment, planned or licensed.
For more information about Cingular BroadbandConnect, customers can call 1-866-429-7222, visit online at www.cingular.com/broadbandconnect or by contacting a business sales representative. Laptop modem cards are available at Cingular Wireless retail stores or online.
CONTACTS
Douglas Ros, VP Business Development & Marketing, Option
E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 411
Frederic Convent, CFO, Option
E-mail: investor@option.com
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 411
Ritch Blasi, Cingular Wireless
908-696-4242 (office)
908-612-1760 (wireless – at CES)
ritch.blasi@cingular.com
ABOUT CINGULAR WIRELESS
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 52.3 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc., (NYSE: T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation — the ALLOVER (SM) network — and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover (SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com . Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at www.cingular.com/newsroom .
ABOUT OPTION
Option NV (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), 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. More information can be found at www.option.com .
ABOUT QUALCOMM
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com ) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2005 FORTUNE 500® company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the ticker symbol QCOM.