Leuven – Belgium, November 14, 2005 – Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that Optus has chosen the GlobeTrotter FUSION QUAD and the GlobeTrotter 3G QUAD as cornerstones of the network operator’s large-scale commercial launch of broadband wireless data cards in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, the Brisbane CBD, and airport locations in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as 630 partner Wi-Fi Hotspot locations operated by Azure the leading Australian provider of high-speed wireless Hotspot Internet services.
The GlobeTrotter wireless data cards, commercialized as part of the “Optus Wireless Connect” program, are customized and sold in Australia under the ‘Yes’ Optus brand.
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications – serving more than 6 million customers each day. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile services. Optus’ Mobile business unit has captured around one third of the total Australian GSM mobile market and leads the market in mobile data take up. In 2001 SingTel (Singapore Exchange, SGX: SingTel) became the parent company of Optus paving the way for Optus to become a strong and strategic telecommunications player within the Asia-Pacific region.
Optus Mobile is also a member of the “Bridge Mobile Alliance”. This alliance is a joint venture of 7 leading Asia Pacific mobile operators that looks at driving commercial and other benefits for the operators and delivering regional mobile services to their subscribers. Together, the group has a combined base of over 56 million subscribers, making it the largest mobile joint venture in the Asia Pacific region.
On 3G networks the GlobeTrotter FUSION QUAD and the GlobeTrotter 3G QUAD data cards enable broadband connection to the internet at data speeds of up to 384 Kbps. Move within range of a public WiFi hotspot, the corporate wireless LAN or your home wireless network, and the GlobeTrotter FUSION QUAD, with integrated WLAN/Wi-Fi functionality, provides connection at speeds up to 54 Mbps. In areas where 3G or WiFi services are not available both the GlobeTrotter FUSION QUAD and the GlobeTrotter 3G QUAD will supply reliable and secure data connection over the GPRS service.
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), a wireless router development centre in Stockholm (Sweden) 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