Business users will, for example, be able to edit documents and update spreadsheets using applications such as Open Office or keep up-to-date with their emails. Consumers will be able to enjoy simple one-click access to chat or Twitter services or any of their favourite social networks.

“uCAN transforms a wireless broadband USB modem into a virtual PC capable of supporting an almost infinite range of useful, and for the operators revenue-generating, applications and services. This is really the Internet in your pocket,” said Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option. “uCAN also marks a new chapter in Option’s evolution – opening up new software licensing revenues to complement our existing mobile broadband hardware business.”

Shipments of uCAN-enabled iCON USB devices are scheduled for the first half of 2009. Over time, the technology is likely to be offered across Option’s range of iCON USB modems as media players, instant messaging and web 2.0 applications open up consumer market segments.

Option is demonstrating uCAN in Hall 1, stand 1C 43 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (February 16-19).