Cingular Selects Novatel Wireless to Supply PC Modem Cards for the World's First HSDPA Network Rollout; Gives Customers Access to 3G Mobile Broadband Network

SAN DIEGO, Nov 01, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVTL) today announced that it is supplying Cingular Wireless with its Merlin U730(TM) third-generation (3G) High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) Wireless PC Card Modems to support Cingular Wireless' 3G HSDPA network launch in several markets across the United States.

After the carrier's HSDPA launch, and where available, the Merlin U730 will enable Cingular Wireless customers to access the world's first commercial HSDPA network at average speeds between 400 and 700 kilobits per second with bursts over a megabit. Users will be able to surf the Internet, view streaming video and listen to music at speeds similar to fixed broadband services while on the go. Corporate executives also have the ability to connect to their office servers and transfer critical files, thus maintaining high productivity levels while out of the office.

Cingular will also sell Novatel Wireless' Merlin U730 in markets not covered in the initial HSDPA launch. Thanks to the Merlin U730's backward compatibility, the Card Modem works on the carrier's nationwide Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) network and in more than 90 countries where Cingular has EDGE and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) roaming agreements. As markets are upgraded to HSDPA, subscribers using the Merlin U730 will automatically be able to connect at higher broadband speeds without purchasing a new Card or additional hardware.

"We are honored to work with the largest U.S. carrier for the launch of the world's first HSDPA network," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This venture with Cingular confirms Novatel Wireless' leadership position in a highly competitive and ever-changing marketplace. We remain at the forefront of new developments, while offering superior products to carriers and their customers."

Novatel Wireless is the global leader in UMTS PC Data Card sales, with Merlin UMTS PC Cards available from 24 operators in 28 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards, Expedite(TM) Embedded Modems, Freedom Box(TM) Ruggedized Modems, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) 3G Multimedia Application Consoles and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access to personal, corporate and public information. The company delivers innovative 3G solutions to operators, distributors and vertical markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more information on Novatel Wireless visit www.novatelwireless.com. (nvtlg)

(C) 2005 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Expedite, Expedite EV620, Freedom Box, MobiLink, Ovation and Conversa are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

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, Inc.

LEWIS PR for Novatel Wireless
Katie Assar/Aida Causevic
619-516-2559 (office)
858-442-7342 (mobile)
[email protected]
or
Cingular Wireless
Ritch Blasi
908-696 4242 (office)
908-612 1760 (mobile)
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2005

News Provided by COMTEX