Option unveils HSDPA/Wi-Fi combo datacard

February 13, 2006

Busy mobile professionals, whether roaming internationally or on a short local journey, need simple and fast mobile access to their email and office intranet applications. With these users in mind, Option has developed a world first HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE & Wi-Fi combo data card: the GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA. The data card is currently shipping to T-Mobile Germany in support of its commercial launch and roll-out plan.

Jan Callewaert, CEO Option: "Our 'combo' strategy continues to be very successful. Since we announced our first combo data card in October 2003 at ITU Telecom World Geneva we have launched in total 5 data cards integrating the latest mobile wireless technologies while adding WLAN/Wi-Fi connectivity. Our technology expertise in developing this type of data card is renowned and appreciated by our customers. We continue to see strong demand for this type of products."

Capable of connecting at speeds of up to 1.8 Mbps over HSDPA and up to 54 Mbps over Wi-Fi the GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA is the fastest wireless data card commercially available.

In areas where HSDPA coverage may not be available the wireless data card will fall back to 3G UMTS at 384 Kbps; EDGE at 247 Kbps or GPRS. Unique to Option's range of GlobeTrotter FUSION data cards, when combined with Option's GlobeTrotter Mobility Manager client software, is the automatic selection of the fastest connection available be it wide area HSDPA or local area Wi-Fi.