A number of questions have recently been asked concerning the Exchange policy with respect to the use of GALAX-C® Electronic Handheld units ("handheld") to trade GLOBEX® products by members active in the equity quadrant.  This Advisory seeks to clarify the policy in that regard.

Members active in the equity quadrant except for top step brokers and top step locals in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Price Index futures ("SP") pit and top step brokers in the Nasdaq-100 Index futures ("ND") pit are eligible for handhelds.  Handheld use currently remains prohibited by SP top step brokers, SP top step locals, and ND top step brokers. 

GEM members active in the Russell 2000 Stock Price Index futures may obtain handhelds, however product access will be limited to products accessible to GEM members from on the trading floor.

Please note that all non-members remain prohibited from operating handhelds.  This policy was recently clarified via Regulatory Advisory RA-04-02 from February 3, 2004.

If you have specific questions concerning this policy, please contact Eric S. Wolff, Managing Director, Regulatory Affairs, at (312) 930-3255, or Robert A. Sniegowski, Associate Director, Market Regulation, at (312) 648-5493.

If you have general questions concerning the handheld program, including obtaining a handheld application, please contact Laura Giacomino, Associate Director, Trading Floor Operations, at (312) 930-8259.