Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI), the wireless technology company, today announced that Vodafone PLC, the world’s largest mobile community has selected the GlobeTrotter FUSION™ , the wireless PC data card from Option combining both 3G and WLAN/Wi-Fi technologies in a single product, to further extend their broadband wireless data solutions to the corporate market. Option has already secured orders from Vodafone and products will begin shipping following the commercial roll-out plans for each of the Vodafone countries before year-end. The products will be sold under the Vodafone brand – Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G data card.
In selecting Option’s GlobeTrotter FUSION™ data card Vodafone can provide the corporate market with a fast, simple and secure mobile data solution across all their mobile networks.
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “We are delighted with the ongoing business from Vodafone. After our 1st successful partnership in 2002 with our GlobeTrotter GPRS data card and the 2nd highly successful partnership with the 3G/GPRS data card, we are now excited that the GlobeTrotter FUSION™ has been chosen as the next generation data card to further complement their broadband wireless solutions. This is the third brand of European mobile operators that is endorsing the GlobeTrotter FUSION™ in its product portfolio. It demonstrates again that Option is satisfying the needs of its customers by continuing to deliver innovative leading edge wireless technology solutions”.
On a 3G network the GlobeTrotter Fusion™ enables broadband connection to the internet at data speeds of up to 384kbps. Move into a range of public Wi-Fi hotspot, the corporate WLAN or your home wireless network and the GlobeTrotter Fusion™ provides connection at speeds up to 54Mbps. In areas where 3G or Wi-Fi services are not available GlobeTrotter Fusion™ still ensures reliable and secure data connection over the widely available GPRS services.
About Option
Option NV (www.option.com), the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (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 and General Counsel
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 411
E-mail: investor@option.com