Option Cards Reach 3.6Mbps with HSDPA

Option and Nortel have completed a demonstration of live HSDPA data card calls reaching a wireless transmission rate of 3.6Mbps (megabits per second), which is faster than the majority of current broadband connections. It is also faster than the common HSDPA connections currently available.

The test calls were carried out on commercial HSDPA network equipment at Nortel's research campus in Chateaufort, France.

According to Option this series of calls are the first data card calls to demonstrate downlink speed of 3.6 Mbps, at HSDPA category 6. A laptop fitted with an Option 3.6 HSDPA data card based on QUALCOMM core MSM 6280 technology and commercial HSDPA network equipment from Nortel were used to achieve the download speeds.

The calls included tests with a laptop placed in a moving vehicle to illustrate the suitability of mobile wireless broadband for high quality, live TV, High Definition video on demand, MP3 download as well as new applications for the mobile workforce.

Option has its worldwide HSDPA-Ready concept, which means that whenever a network operator decides to launch HSDPA services in its territory, a simple firmware upgrade, available via the operator's website, is sufficient update a data card. Option's GlobeTrotter 3G/EDGE and the GlobeTrotter FUSION+ are both "HSDPA-Ready" and can be upgraded in the field.