Europe Belguim : Option 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."