Option to Develop Smallest Wireless Modules for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices

Option, a developer of wireless technology products, announced a collaboration with Intel Corporation to produce optimized WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) modules for Mobile Internet Devices based on Intel's low power technologies.

Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) are a new category of mobile consumer devices that enable a PC-like Internet experience. These MIDs rely on wireless connectivity to give users access on-the-go to a range of services revolving around communication, entertainment and information.

"Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) present an exciting growth opportunity for the industry. Intel is innovating for this category by delivering a range of building blocks, including low power processors and chipsets, to our customers," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Corporation Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Ultra Mobility Group. "We expect MIDs to have a range of wireless technologies and collaborating with Option on WWAN solutions for the category will help fuel the demand."

Option will deliver WWAN modules that meet the power, size and performance characteristics needed for Mobile Internet Devices in 2008. Two modules are currently in development and will be optimized for MIDs based on Intel low power processors and chipsets. The GTM 201 EDGE module, intended for fast-growing markets such as China, Latin America and Southern Africa, and the HSPA module, GTM501 are planned for the first half of 2008. Delivered in an LGA package measuring only 25 x 30 x 2.5 mm, the devices are respectively the world's smallest EDGE and HSPA WWAN modules.

Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option, declared: "Delivering wireless modules that meet the requirements of Mobile Internet Devices is a major challenge and requires specific components and packaging techniques that are only now becoming available. We look forward to collaborating with Intel to optimize the WWAN module for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices and helping identify customers that will be key to bringing these connected ultra mobile devices to life."