LEUVEN, Belgium – March 30, 2007 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced another major milestone: the shipping of its three millionth 3G device.
Option announced the development of the first 3G UMTS wireless data card in October 2003, at ITU Telecom World in Geneva. The company shipped its millionth 3G device in November 2005, 24 months later. With the next two million 3G devices being shipped in less than 16 months, output has accelerated dramatically: double the volume in less than two-thirds of the time.
Since launching the world’s first 3G data card, Option has developed an unrivalled range of pioneering wireless broadband solutions. Technological advances mean that today, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA complimented with 2.0 Mbps HSUPA is available across the Option 3G portfolio which now consists of nine wireless data cards, four embedded modules, three USB devices and three routers. This choice empowers 90+ mobile network operators and leading PC and multimedia device manufacturers around the world to select devices closely matched to the needs of specific customer segments.
Jan Callewaert, CEO at Option: “Our accelerating shipments are testament to the increasingly widespread acceptance of, and even reliance on, true wireless mobility by business professionals. With consumers now seizing on the convenience and flexibility of wireless broadband, our industry-leading USB modems and embedded modules will become increasingly significant in achieving our next shipment milestone.”
Neil Mawston, Director of Strategy Analytics, a global research and consulting firm, added: “Enterprise and consumer users are increasingly keen to liberate the laptop via a cellular network. Worldwide mobile data card sales jumped to more than 5 million units during 2006. Option is clearly among the leaders and it plays a key role in this valuable emerging market.”
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, Hong Kong 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