Also: GlobeSurfer® iCON 7.2 now available in different colours and new GlobeSurfer® II 7.2 creates instant Wi-Fi hotspot at HSDPA speeds
3GSM World Congress Barcelona, SPAIN – February 12, 2007 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced a flexible wireless alternative to DSL for virtually any computer equipped with a USB port. GlobeSurfer® iCON HSUPA delivers download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and upload data rates up to 2 Mbps from a compact device that can plug directly into the USB port of any laptop or desktop PC. Commercial availability of the ICON HSUPA is scheduled for Q2 2007.
The sleek and stylish design, that will appeal to consumers and small businesses looking for simple, flexible plug ‘n play connectivity solutions, incorporates a swivel USB connector for optimal orientation. Drawing its power from the PC, the iCON weighs just 40g.
The GlobeSurfer® iCON HSUPA is 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 to 384 Kbps. The device also has inherent support for tri-band UMTS operation at 384 Kbps as well as quad-band EDGE and GPRS if worldwide connectivity is required.
“When multiple-play is the talk of the telecoms sector, Option’s GlobeSurfer® portfolio creates opportunities for wireless operators to exploit their existing infrastructure to compete in market segments traditionally served by fixed operators,” said Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option. “There is growing interest from consumers and small businesses for alternatives to the physical constraints of fixed connections and cables: our product strategy and styling reflect this demand.”
In addition to this HSUPA product and in response to growing importance of the consumer market, Option is now offering its existing GlobeSurfer® iCON 7.2, which combines tri-band 7.2 Mbps HSDPA download with 384 kbps UMTS upload, in a choice of different colours.
All GlobeSurfer® iCON models incorporate Option’s Zero-CDTM technology which allows applications, manuals and drivers to be downloaded and installed automatically when the device is connected to a computer for the first time: CD installation and bulky printed instruction manuals have been eliminated.
For the home, small office, or temporary office location, Option’s new GlobeSurfer® II 7.2 creates an instant hotspot that allows several WiFi-enabled PC’s to share an HSDPA connection to the internet at speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. The completely wireless configuration enables free placement inside any premises to optimise radio reception, even in difficult environments. Any normal telephone can be plugged into the device’s analog RJ11 connector to access traditional circuit-switched telephony service. Commercial availability of the GlobeSurfer® II 7.2 is scheduled for March 2007.
Sleek and elegant design, an intuitive user interface which includes an easy-to-read, informative display and a web-based control panel, will ensure wide acceptance for the GlobeSurfer® II 7.2 in private and professional environments.
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 GlobeSurfer® HSDPA and HSUPA products 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.
Comprehensive product data sheets & specifications can be obtained at
https://www.option.com/products/globesurfer_II_72.shtml
https://www.option.com/products/globesurfer_icon_72.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