3GSM World Congress Barcelona, SPAIN – February 12, 2007 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today unveiled two new HSUPA data cards that deliver DSL levels of performance to people on the move. HSUPA, the latest development in the evolution of 3G UMTS, significantly increases upload data rates from device to network and has the potential to revolutionise the working lives of professionals such as photo-journalists and broadcast news reporters who need a portable, versatile and immediate means of transmitting large data files while mobile. Commercial availability of the HSUPA data cards is scheduled for Q2 2007.
The GlobeTrotter GT MAX HSUPA integrates Option’s unique and patented ‘Butterfly’ retractable antenna concept into the familiar PC Card format to create a high performance device that doesn’t need to be removed from the notebook during transport.
The GlobeTrotter Express HSUPA packs advanced data communication capabilities into the slim-line, future-proof, ExpressCard compatible with the 34 mm expansion slots increasingly found on the latest laptops. The optional GlobeTrotter EX Converter also allows the GlobeTrotter Express HSUPA to be installed in any laptop with the larger Cardbus interface.
Incorporating triple-band HSPA and UMTS, both cards are designed to achieve peak HSDPA down¬load speeds of 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA upload rates approaching 2 Mbps. Back¬ward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps with upload speeds up to 384 Kbps. The new wireless data cards also have inherent support for tri-band UMTS operation at 384 Kbps as well as quad-band EDGE and GPRS for worldwide connectivity.
“With its improved upload performance, HSUPA adds a whole new dimension to wireless broadband empowering operators to offer high-speed, two-way data services such as multiplayer gaming, video telephony and conferencing. The speed of HSUPA is capable of handling large scale of data communications such as video streaming and ftp file transferring and has, as such, the potential to revolutionise the working lives of many professionals.” said Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option. “With these latest additions to our market-leading data card portfolio, HSUPA is now available with Option’s proven performance and reliability.”
Option’s full implementation of Advanced Radio Technology (ART), including both Equalization and dual antenna Receive Diversity, is key to realising the full potential of HSDPA 7.2 and differentiates GlobeTrotter HSDPA and HSUPA data cards from competitors. ART improves signal reception and reduces the impact of spatial variations in signal strength while improving immunity to radio interference. In field trials, ART improved average throughput speeds by approximately 50% compared to non-ART devices, and improved connection stability, service coverage and the overall user experience. For operators, the use of ART equipped devices can increase network capacity by up to a factor of two while reducing base station power requirements.
Both devices are truly Plug ‘n Play. Option’s Zero-CDTM technology allows applications, manuals and drivers to be downloaded and installed automatically when either data card is inserted for the first time: CD installation and bulky printed instruction manuals have been eliminated.
Comprehensive product data sheets & specifications can be obtained at
https://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_gt_max_hsupa.shtml
https://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_express_hsupa.shtml
All announcements from Option at 3GSM are available at
https://www.option.com/barcelona/3GSM_announcements.shtml
Option can be found in Hall 2, Level 1, Stand B17 at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona
About Option
Option, 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
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