LEUVEN, Belgium – December 5, 2006 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today unveiled the GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2, the successor to the company’s pioneering and popular fixed-substitution USB wireless broadband device. The ICON 7.2 is currently sampling with volume shipments scheduled for February 2007.
GlobeSurfer®ICON 7.2 is the simplest and most convenient broadband internet connection device available. Simply inserting a SIM card and attaching GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2 to the USB port of your PC and it delivers one-click access to the Internet. Enabling e-mail, instant messaging, web browsing, on-line gaming, downloads and streaming. Option’s patented Zero CD® technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the ICON itself: you don’t need to install software from a CD-ROM. The GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2 is a truly “plug-and-play” device.
With the versatile GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2, users can work wherever they want to: not just where a DSL access point or Wi-Fi hotspot is available. The compact device, which is small enough to be plugged directly into a PCs USB port, provides a convenient and viable alternative to fixed DSL. GlobeSurfer ICON® 7.2 supports HSDPA 7.2 Mbps. For launches before the availability of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps networks, the product can optionally be provided with HSDPA 3.6 Mbps and boosted to 7.2 Mbps via a simple firmware upgrade.
Jan Callewaert Option’s CEO commented: “Customer reaction to our original pioneering ICON demonstrated real demand for a wireless alternative to DSL broadband. Improved performance, including compliance with 7.2 Mbps HSDPA and Advanced Receiver Technology, the new smaller, faster GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2 extends choice for consumers and creates new business opportunities for Option’s operator partners.”
Multiple multi-band wireless technologies ensure the GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2 is capable of connecting via 3G and/or 2G networks in virtually every country worldwide. The device automatically scans networks for HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS connectivity and will establish the fastest possible connection. Also on software level, the ICON 7.2 is versatile. It is compatible with all major current and expected operating systems, among them Windows VISTA and XP and the MAC OS X.
Already compatible with 7.2 Mbps HSDPA the ICON 7.2 delivers the highest possible 3G speeds. These speeds are faster than many of today fixed-line broadband services.
ICON 7.2 sustains faster and more stable connections, even at the edges of network coverage. Due to the Advanced Receiver Technology, including two separate dual diversity antennas, network connections are faster and more stable.
Product Highlights
•tEasy installation with the Plug ‘n’ Play zero CDTM installation
•tEasy connection: either directly to the PC or via the included extension cable
•tHigh throughput
otHSDPA and UMTS: up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 384 kbps uplink
otEDGE/GPRS/GSM: up to 247 kbps
•tGlobal connectivity
otTriple band HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz)
otQuad Band EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
•tAdvanced Receiver Technology, incorporating Receiver Diversity and Equalisation, ensures best possible performance at all times, even at the edges of network coverage.
•tVisual feedback of connection status with the single LED and user-friendly connection software which includes signal strength indicator
•tCompatible with nearly all modern Desktop and laptop PCs equipped with Microsoft OS (2000, XP, XP Pro and Vista) and MAC OS X
GlobeSurfer® ICON 7.2 product information
Product Datasheet: https://www.option.com/products/globesurfer_icon72.shtml
About Option
Option, (www.option.com),the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSPA 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), an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. Option also has sales & support operations in the US, Japan and Taiwan.
For more information please contact
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing Option
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411, E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO Option
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 471, E-mail: investor@option.com