HSDPA Wireless Data Card uses Zero-Install technology.

Press Release Summary:



GlobeTrotter GT MAX 7.2 Ready is compatible with mobile operator infrastructure equipment capable of supporting data rates up to 7.2 Mbps. Backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower rates of 3.6 and 1.8 Mbps, while Zero-Install technology eliminates need for user to pre-install drivers, application, or CD. Tri-band 2100/1900/850 MHz unit includes Advanced Radio Technology, bringing Receive Diversity and Receive Equalization into product design.



Original Press Release:



Option Announces Globetrotter GT MAX '7.2 Ready'



New Wireless Data Card With Zero-Install and Receive Diversity Extends Option's Global Leadership in HSDPA

LEUVEN, Belgium, June 1/ -- Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI; OPNVY), the wireless technology company, continues the successful execution of its HSDPA strategy with the announcement of a new product within its portfolio of wireless Internet data
cards: the GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready".

The GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready" is the next generation of wireless data card designed by Option to be compatible with mobile operator infrastructure equipment capable of supporting higher data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps. Backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps. The wireless data card has inherent support for 3G operation at 384 Kbps in conjunction with Quad band EDGE and GPRS.

The GT MAX "7.2 Ready" is the first Option data card to use Zero-Install patented technology. This means that it is no longer a necessity for the user to pre-install drivers, or a software application, in order to use the data card. GT MAX is truly unique Plug 'n Play solution: no user install, no user installed application, no driver CD.

Commercially available during the second half of 2006, the Tri -band 2100/1900/850 MHz GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready" will initially be configured for 3.6 Mbps operation. As and when mobile network operators raise their data rate services up to 7.2 Mbps a simple user initiated "Flash upgrade" issued by the network operator will boost the card up to a maximum data rate of 7.2 Mbps.

Different from other HSDPA devices the internal architecture of the GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready" includes Advanced Radio Technology (ART) bringing the benefit of Receive Diversity and Receive Equalization into the product design.

Receive Diversity is a necessity to maximize radio performance. GT MAX's dual antenna configuration and dual receiver chain intelligently processes and combines signals to continuously obtain the optimal receive level. Receive Equalization on the other hand improves immunity to interference of the radio signal.

The combination of both these advanced radio technology features enhances the user Internet experience by ensuring the maximum possible data rate throughput for any given mobile or nomadic operating condition. In tests ART has shown a marked increase in realized Internet connection speed in some cases in excess of 50% compared with non-ART equipped devices. For the mobile operator ART can significantly increase network capacity by up to a factor of two-fold and power required from base stations is reduced for greater operating efficiency.

Jan Callewaert, CEO Option: "In December of last year Option was the first to demonstrate our data cards working at 3.6 Mbps on Nortel infrastructure. Subsequently in January this year Cingular demonstrated our 3.6 HSDPA card live at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics show. Today's announcement is a continuation of our HSDPA strategy and demonstrates, yet again, our technical prowess. The GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready" is a further evolutionary step in Option's strategy to support its operator partners and their customers offering the best and fastest possible cellular connectivity. HSDPA is being deployed, or has already been launched, by most W-CDMA based cellular operators. As of today I am proud to be able to state that Option is supplying its HSDPA data devices to over 50 network operators.

With our current portfolio of HSDPA wireless products Option clearly substantiates its lead in this market. Our GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready" offers the network operator a future proof product for their customers whilst enabling the maximum benefit to be realized from new consumer and business services launched in conjunction with the higher bandwidth HSDPA networks."

Option's product portfolio currently totals no less than 9 HSDPA devices including 6 data cards: GlobeTrotter GT MAX "7.2 Ready", GlobeTrotter HSDPA, GlobeTrotter GT MAX, GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA, GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE "HSDPA Ready" and the GlobeTrotter FUSION+ "HSDPA Ready". Other products are GTM 351E wireless module, the GlobeSurfer ICON and the GlobeSurfer 3G HSDPA.

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.

Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development & Marketing, E-mail: d.ros@option.com.

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