GTM478 module incorporated in eMobile’s next generation broadband terminal “EM ONE”
Leuven, BELGIUM – February 19, 2007 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the leading wireless technology company, today announced that it is supplying eMobile Japan with both the new GTM478 embedded wireless module and the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2. Both products uniquely operate the 1.7 GHz frequency band. The wireless module is incorporated in the “EM ONE”, the next-generation mobile broadband device, designed to deliver a high-speed, always-on broadband environment as an alternative to a personal computer. The “EM ONE” is manufactured by Sharp, Japan’s leading vendor in mobile device development. The products were unveiled today by eMobile’s Chairman and CEO Sachio Semmoto at the press conference in Tokyo announcing the launch of the HSDPA Mobile Data Service “EM Mobile Broadband” from March 31 2007. Also presenting at eMobile’s press conference were Sharp (OSE and TSE: 6753), Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM) and Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT).
“EM ONE” supports eMobile’s HSDPA communications service with a maximum downlink speed of 3.6Mbps. “EM ONE” adopts Japan’s first W-VGA (800 X 480 dot) under Windows Mobile 5.0 environment, and is also equipped with the industry’s first 4.1 inch high definition liquid crystal large screen. Such a screen enables the user to view PC websites without horizontal scrolling. Furthermore, “EM ONE” is equipped with the same keyboard layout as a PCs yet at just 18.9 mm thick, the device is one of the thinnest mobile terminals with a QWERTY keyboard in Japan.
“I am honoured that eMobile has selected Option as its partner for both for our new compact wireless module embedded in the “EM ONE” and our GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 data card. eMobile is a pioneer of wireless broadband multimedia services and devices that go beyond the mobile phone and has an exciting vision for the future,” said Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option. “Our partnership with eMobile and Sharp recognises Option’s world class wireless technology expertise and relentless customer focus.”
The new GTM478 is a compact module with a board-to-board connector making it the ideal module for embedding into small mobile devices such as PDA’s and mobile multimedia devices. It incorporates HSDPA, UMTS and EDGE, GPRS and GSM. It is designed to achieve peak HSDPA download speeds of 7.2 Mbps while backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections can also be made at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps with upload speeds to 384 Kbps. The GTM478 also supports both A-GPS and S-GPS.
The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 Express Card, based on he PCI-standard, delivers true wireless broadband performance, while dual-antennae Advanced Receiver Technology sustains faster and more stable connections over wider coverage areas. For launches before availability of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps networks, the product can be provided with HSDPA 3.6Mbps and boosted to 7.2 Mbps via a simple firmware upgrade. In all cases backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps. In spite of its advanced performance, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is a truly “plug and play” device. When the EXPRESS 7.2 is inserted into the Express Card slot of a laptop, Option’s patented Zero CD® technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the data card itself: no software needs to be installed from a CD-ROM.
eMobile Ltd. is a subsidiary of eAccess Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 9427), a champion of deregulation in the Japanese telecommunications sector and now one of the country’s largest ADSL providers. Utilizing its broadband network and its ADSL and ISP business partnerships, eAccess established eMobile to enter the Japanese mobile carrier market. eMobile secured a 1.7GHz spectrum license in late 2005. eMobile will launch its services, combining the latest in mobile technologies with highly innovative business models, on March 31 2007. eMobile’s principal shareholders are eAccess Ltd., The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. The company is headquartered in Tokyo – Japan.
Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses.
About Option
Option, the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G WCDMA (HSPA 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), an ISO 9002 production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. Option also has sales & support operations in the US, Japan and Taiwan. For more information please visit www.option.com.
For more information please contact
Douglas Ros, Vice President Business Development
Tel +32 (0)16 317 411, E-mail: d.ros@option.com
Frederic Convent, CFO Option
Tel + 32 (0) 16 317 471, E-mail: investor@option.com