Bell Canada Enhances Mobile Data Network Access Speeds

TORONTO, Apr 30, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bell Canada today announced further speed enhancements to the Bell Mobility high speed mobile data network, and also introduced three new Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ:NVTL) mobile broadband devices built exclusively for Bell Mobility customers requiring fast and reliable data access on the go.

"Bell's enhanced high speed mobile data network, also known as EV-DO Rev A, supports applications and services that offer business clients a powerful and reliable mobile broadband experience," said Adel Bazerghi, Vice President, Products for Bell Mobility. "Mobile data services are the fastest growing segment in wireless, and our ongoing network speed enhancements underline Bell Mobility's focus on leading the marketplace."

Available today in regions across Ontario, Bell's enhanced high-speed mobile network offers peak upload speeds of 1.8 megabits per second (Mbps) and peak download speeds of approximately 3.1 Mbps. Bell plans to introduce further speed enhancements in selected markets across Canada throughout 2007.

These speed increases allow mobility business customers to share large data files and leverage new wireless data applications on the go. For example, high-definition digital schematics and blueprints can be manipulated in the field, shared in real time with counterparts at the head office, then discussed over a video-conference connection.

Consumers can take advantage of the improved mobile data speeds to listen to and share music on demand, capture and upload high-resolution photography and real-time wireless video, or access large e-mail files directly on their phones or other mobile devices.

Novatel Wireless mobile data devices

In tandem with today's high-speed upgrade announcement, Bell launched three Novatel Wireless hardware devices:

-- Novatel Wireless P720 PC Card: The Merlin(TM) PC720 EV-DO Rev A PC Card provides high-speed connectivity to networks with data speeds up to 3.1 Mbps. It has an advanced dual-band diversity antenna system design that incorporates an external flip antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception.

-- Novatel Wireless U720 USB Modem: The Ovation U720 USB EV-DO Rev A Modem plugs into a computer's USB port to provide users with data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps.

-- Novatel Wireless X720 ExpressCard: The Merlin X720 ExpressCard(TM) EV-DO Rev A offers fast, wireless broadband speeds to achieve LAN-like mobility with data speeds up to 3.1 Mbps. Accessories for the ExpressCard that allow it to function as a PCMCIA card or USB are also available.

"Novatel is very pleased to be working with Bell Canada to deliver next generation mobile data devices," said Brad Weinert, acting CEO and COO for Novatel Wireless. "Novatel Wireless' EV-DO Rev A product line enables Bell to provide increased upload and download speeds connecting enterprise customers to remote corporate resources and consumers to their digital content anytime, anywhere."

Launched in October 2005, the Bell Mobility high speed mobile data network is currently available to approximately 60 percent of Canadians across the country and was the first network to deliver data at speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps, allowing for streaming video, high-speed Internet surfing and downloads of one-megabyte data files in 20 seconds or less.

For more information about Bell high speed wireless services, please visit Bell's wireless data business site www.businessonthego.ca

About Bell Canada

Bell Canada is Canada's national leader in communications with 28 million customer connections across the country. The company provides consumers with simple solutions to all their communications needs, including telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital television and voice over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses (SMBs). Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Communications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.

About Novatel Wireless

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is revolutionizing wireless communications. The company is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G WCDMA (HSDPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' MerlinTM PC Cards and ExpressCards, Expedite(R) Embedded Modules, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) Fixed Mobile Convergence Products and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access. The company delivers innovative 3G solutions to operators, distributors and vertical markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ:NVTL. For more information please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, new product introductions, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless' products and dependence on intellectual property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.

SOURCE: Novatel Wireless

Nadel Phelan for Novatel Wireless
Mike Kelly, 831-440-2403
[email protected]
or
Bell Canada
Paolo Pasquini, 416-581-4268 (Media Relations)
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2007

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