Introduction of Full 1.8 Mbps Wireless Data Card Extends Option's
Leadership in HSDPA

LEUVEN, Belgium, January 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Mobilkom Austria Rolls Out HSDPA Network With Option Data Cards

Option N.V. (Euronext: OPTI, OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology
company, continues the successful execution of its HSDPA strategy with
the announcement and initial shipment of a new product within its
HSDPA portfolio - the GlobeTrotter HSDPA.

The new data card delivers speeds of up to 1.8Mbps over an HSDPA
network - 4,5 times faster than maximum data rates available over 3G
UMTS. If no HSDPA network is available the data card will
automatically establish the fastest possible connection using 3G, EDGE
or GPRS. The GlobeTrotter HSDPA is already shipping in support of the
commercial roll-out plans of network operators in EMEA.

Jan Callewaert, CEO Option, said: "The launch of this product is a key
step in Option's strategy to support its operator partners and their
customers through this technological change. Where HSDPA has already
been launched, our new data card delivers the highest possible mobile
data rates 'out-of-the-box'. Where 3G operators are still deploying
the enhanced technology, our 'HSDPA-Ready' cards empower operators to
maintain their wireless broadband marketing and sales momentum without
disadvantaging their customers."

Serving nearly 3.4 million customers, Mobilkom Austria will become one
of the first operators to offer Option's new HSDPA data card when it
starts retailing the Vodafone Mobile Connect Card Broadband
(HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE) today. At the same time, a free software upgrade to
HSDPA will be made available (at www.A1.net/hsdpaupgrade) to any
Mobilkom's customers who previously purchased the UMTS+EDGE 'HSDPA
Ready' card.

Announced in September 2005, Option's 'GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE
HSDPA-Ready' and 'GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA-Ready' data cards have
helped sustain strong demand for wireless data solutions by empowering
new users to enjoy the benefits of 3G safe in the knowledge that their
data card can be upgraded simply when HSDPA becomes available from
their operator.

As soon as an operator is ready to launch HSDPA within its territory,
a simple firmware upgrade, made available via a website, is sufficient
to release the full power of 1.8 Mbps HSDPA.

For more product information:

Product Datasheet: http://www.option.com/products/overview.shtml

Product Screenshot: http://www.option.com/news/6_3_presskit.shtml

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. SOURCE Option N.V.