Data Calls Made Using 3G UMTS Modem Cards

Lucent Technologies announced the completion of a series of third-generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) data calls using a new wireless modem PC card jointly developed by the two companies.

Using Option's 3GlobeTrotter card -- which is based on PrairieComm's PCI5110 multi-mode, multi-band baseband processor and PCI5000 UMTS protocol stack (www.prairiecomm.com) -- and Lucent's commercial-grade UMTS equipment and software, the two companies were able to connect laptop PCs and PDAs to the Internet and a corporate network via an Internet Protocol (IP) virtual private network (VPN), enabling access to services such as Web browsing, and video and audio streaming.
These successful data calls further demonstrate the commitment by Lucent and Option to accelerate the commercial introduction of UMTS technology, particularly for the business user. This work was conducted under an agreement, announced in February 2002, to develop dual-mode UMTS/GPRS wireless PC cards for both the 1900 and 2100 MHz spectrum bands. The 3GlobeTrotter cards, when plugged into a laptop or PDA, will allow mobile operators to offer subscribers high-speed access the Internet and corporate networks via a 3G UMTS network.

"Lucent is committed to helping mobile operators deliver the benefits of 3G UMTS mobile networks to the enterprise marketplace," said Bruce Dale, vice-president for UMTS product and offer realisation for Lucent's Mobility Solutions Group. "Our achievement of this exciting milestone with Option moves us much closer to meeting this commitment."

"This development with Lucent has launched Option into the 3G terminal arena, enabling us to provide Lucent with an early-to-market commercial data terminal solution - 3Globetrotter - for use with its UMTS mobile networks," said Jan Callewaert, CEO for Option. "The ability to test and prove Option's designs on a UMTS infrastructure within our own lab environment has greatly accelerated the realisation of our UMTS/GPRS wireless development. We are very pleased to have been able to demonstrate the achievement of the first series of live UMTS data calls; a major milestone in our joint development."

The 3Globetrotter cards from Option are an integral element of the UMTS version of Lucent's recently introduced Secure Mobile Data Solutions for Enterprises (SMDSe) portfolio of end-to-end solutions that will allow business customers to access essential applications -- such as e-mail, company databases and internal Web applications -- behind corporate firewalls via third-generation (3G) UMTS and CDMA2000(tm) wireless networks, as well as corporate WLANs and public "hot spots." The SMDSe portfolio will enable mobile professionals to use their laptop PCs or PDAs to access all the applications they normally use, with the same level of security, data throughput and performance they typically enjoy in their office.

About Option
Option is the leading innovator in wireless communications. The company specialises in the design, development and manufacture of GSM, GPRS, WLAN, and 3G UMTS technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting new products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications.
Option's headquarters are in Leuven, Belgium. The company has Research & Development centres in Leuven, and Cambridge (UK), a Software and Applications development centre in Adelsried (Germany) and a production engineering and logistics facility in Cork, Ireland. Option holds ISO 9001 and 9002 certification.