Option unveils " HSDPA-Ready" solution

September 29, 2005

Option, the wireless technology company, unveiled its HSDPA-Ready technology that enables Option's GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE and the GlobeTrotter FUSION+ wireless data cards to be upgraded by the user into full-blown HSDPA devices.

Currently 3 major network operators have announced solutions based on Option's HSDPA- Ready products.

Today's mobile market is highly competitive. Network operators are striving to capture new data users whose expectations are formed by their fixed line experience with ADSL or WLAN services. The transition to HSDPA with speeds up to 1.8 Mbps, enabling the reality of cost-effective wide area broadband wireless, is a compelling solution for network operators and their data subscriber customers. Option's HSDPA-Ready solution is bringing a significant competitive advantage to network operators. These operators are, as of today, empowered to market data cards that are HSDPA-Ready. Whenever the operator decides to launch HSDPA services in its territory, a simple firmware upgrade, available via the operator's website, is sufficient to release the full power of HSDPA on the Option data card. The mobile user is also a clear winner. In buying a GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE or GlobeTrotter FUSION+ data solution today, the user is assured of the fact that the investment is secure and future-proof for impending HSDPA services.

Jan Callewaert, CEO Option: "The real innovation of our HSDPA-Ready solution lies in its simplicity. This unique and innovative solution gives our network operator customers a compelling marketing advantage of between 4 to 6 months. Users may otherwise delay their data card buying decision until HSDPA services are launched. Now users can purchase our GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE or GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA Ready wireless data cards taking advantage of the latest combination of 3G and EDGE technologies without the need to buy a new card in 2006 when the HSDPA services become available."