Leuven – Belgium, July 11 2005 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that Airtel India has selected Option’s GlobeTrotter EDGE data card as wireless data solution for their mobile users. The data card is being marketed directly by Airtel to its customers whilst nationwide in-country support and supply logistics are provided by Option’s Indian based partner Capitel Wireless.
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “India is rapidly becoming the world’s fourth largest economy and is already one of the world markets with the highest prospect for growth. It was clear to us that this was a business opportunity that could not be overlooked. I am therefore delighted that Airtel has chosen Option’s EDGE data card as the preferred data solution for their customers. Option’s entrance in the Indian market demonstrates that our technology and customer focus is highly appreciated worldwide. I am looking forward to a mutually beneficial long term partnership with Airtel.”
Mr. Atul Bindal, Director & Group Chief Marketing Officer – Mobility, Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd., “The launch of the Airtel Data Card adds to our suite of m-business solutions. The data card will enable the most comprehensive wireless data connectivity for people on the move all across the country and whilst roaming internationally. As leaders, Airtel has always ensured that our customers get the best value, enjoy the finest services, and benefit from cutting edge products. This data card is yet a further example of our quality commitment to our customers.”
Airtel is India’s leading GSM service provider with over 10.6 million mobile customers. The company is affiliated with Bharti Cellular Limited part of the biggest private integrated telecom conglomerate Bharti Enterprises. Bharti (NSE: BARTHI, BSE: BARTHI) provides a range of telecom services, which include Cellular, Basic, Internet and, recently introduced, National Long Distance. Bharti offers mobile services in 23 out of 23 circles in India, has a footprint in 21 states covering all four metros and has as of the end of February 2005 more than 11.5 million satisfied customers.
Option’s supply and logistics partner in India, Capitel Wireless Private Limited, is a national leader in providing wireless communication solutions and products that enable mobile operators to improve their productivity, coverage and capacity. Founded in 2001, Capitel Wireless has experienced phenomenal growth through its alliances with high technology corporations in more advanced countries and has become a competitive telecommunication solution provider with access to the highest standards of technology. Capitel Wireless has become one of the most successful and fastest growing companies in India focusing on the distribution of communications products, mobile handset terminals, and next generation communication devices.
In addition to the GlobeTrotter EDGE wireless data card, Option is supplying its premier GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager™ software enabling users of the card to have fast, simple and easy access to wireless data whilst hiding from the user the complexity of underlying wireless technologies. In conjunction with Unlimited Connection™, Option’s mobile IP solution, the user will be able to seamlessly roam between the data card’s EDGE and GPRS technologies and other network connections available to the notebook computer such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet LAN or ADSL. Both data cards fully support Microsoft’s PC Smart Card standard and include EAP-SIM extensions for user-transparent and automatic authentication to third party networks.
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) 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