Novatel Wireless and Best Buy Connect Launch Mobile Broadband Connectivity Solutions

SAN DIEGO and MINNEAPOLIS, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, and Best Buy Connect(SM), Best Buy's mobile broadband service, today announced the arrival of two mobile broadband devices. The 3G MiFi® Mobile Hotspot (MiFiRF-MFH2) and USB Broadband Device (RF-BCD2) give Best Buy Connect subscribers fast, instant-on Internet connectivity on the go.

"We're finding that our customers want choices in service providers, plans and devices for mobile broadband," said Jed Stillman, vice president of Best Buy Connect. "Novatel Wireless has a great reputation for creating intelligent solutions that help consumers stay connected wherever and whenever.  We're delighted to partner with them on delivering a really smart and easy way to maintain those connections."

Built from Novatel Wireless' technology, the Best Buy Connect devices are branded Rocketfish, a Best Buy private label brand that represents a portfolio of simple hardware solutions that enable connectivity. The 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot (MiFiRF-MFH2)delivers high speed internet access anywhere, anytime for multiple users and devices. Users can connect and share broadband speeds with up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices at once—PCs, cameras, digital media players, tablets, gaming consoles and more—with the touch of a button. The 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot provides up to four hours of active use on a single charge and fits in the palm of your hand.

The USB Broadband Device (RF-BCD2) manufactured by Novatel Wireless is an EV-DO RevA modem. Extremely durable and compact, the USB Broadband Device combines a variety of innovative features into a tiny form factor. The device's integrated microSD™ slot enables the seamless storage and transport of up to 32 GB of files, photos or videos on a hot-swappable, removable microSD storage card. At just over two inches long and weighing less than an ounce, the device is designed to work with any laptop, tablet PC or desktop running Windows® or Mac® operating systems and equipped with a USB port. The USB Broadband Device features an internal, advanced dual band diversity antenna for enhanced performance on the fringe areas of networks and in highly mobile environments, as well as an optional external antenna port.

"We are thrilled to support Best Buy Connect's visionary market approach as the one-stop-shop for anywhere Internet connectivity and flexible prepaid plans," said Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. "We believe the 3G MiFi Mobile Hotspot and USB Broadband Device are an excellent fit with Best Buy Connect's portfolio of plug-and-play mobile broadband solutions."

With these devices, Best Buy Connect will offer a range of no-contract, prepaid 3G plans, starting as low as $10. As with other Best Buy Connect subscription services, consumers get the benefit of Best Buy across their experience end to end — from activation to billing and support.

The new Best Buy Connect Rocketfish mobile broadband devices are now available at Best Buy's CowBoom online outlet store and at Best Buy Express kiosks located in at major airports across the country starting June 27.  The devices will retail for $119.99 for the MiFi and $79.99 for the USB modem.

About Best Buy Connect

Best Buy Connect is a Best Buy-owned mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides high-speed Internet on-the-go. The mobile broadband service operates on the Nationwide Sprint 3G network and Clearwire 4G network, and is available through laptops, netbooks, and other external devices, powering the connectivity for a wide range of consumer electronic devices. With flexible rate plans and a variety of contract options, Best Buy Connect helps customers find a solution that best fits their mobile needs. The service offers one-stop support for all things mobile networking — activation, billing, hardware and connection support — creating a seamless experience from a trusted hardware and service provider — Best Buy. For more information, visit www.bestbuyconnect.com.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day our employees - 180,000 strong - are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com.

About Novatel Wireless

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. 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.

(C) 2011 Novatel Wireless, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The Novatel Wireless name and logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Novatel Wireless