Novatel Wireless Announces Commercial Shipments of Next Generation Quadband UMTS Global PC Card Modem

    --  Merlin U630(TM) provides global Internet connectivity with
        benefits of high-speed broadband access on UMTS networks in
        Asia, Europe and the Middle East

    --  Commercial shipments into European operators commenced in
        fourth quarter 2004

SAN DIEGO, Jan 4, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL): Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced first commercial shipments of the Merlin U630(TM) Wireless PC Card Modem. The Merlin U630 is a next generation 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) quad band PC Card modem that provides high-speed wireless broadband access on the UMTS 2100 MHz band in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as global Internet connectivity on any General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or Global System Mobile Communications (GSM) network worldwide on 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequencies. The Merlin U630 is currently in multiple network trials globally and commercially shipped into new European operator customers commencing in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The Merlin U630 allows subscribers to remotely send and receive emails, surf the Internet, download file attachments and securely access corporate networks through a virtual private network (VPN) connection at speeds up to 384 kilobits per second on both uplink and downlink channels. Mobile workers can maintain contact with clients, colleagues and family at any time, from virtually anywhere worldwide, increasing overall employee productivity.

Designed with the most advanced 3G technology, the Merlin U630 features increased upload speeds and more efficient management of power consumption. The Merlin U630 has been tested with all major infrastructure providers and is compatible with the leading laptop configurations. A high-efficiency embedded antenna provides leading throughput performance. The patented design and RF experience has resulted in world class performance. Users will benefit through extended connectivity and throughput. An external antenna can also be added to maximize connectivity for mobile workers in marginal coverage areas.

"The Merlin U630 is a significant launch for Novatel Wireless as it combines global wireless Internet access with the advantage of 3G broadband access throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East," said Peter Leparulo, chief executive officer for Novatel Wireless. "By partnering with our world class operator customers, Novatel Wireless will continue to bring the advantages of 3G technology to subscribers across the globe with technologically advanced products like the Merlin U630."

Novatel Wireless is the global leader in UMTS PC Card sales with Merlin UMTS PC Cards available from 15 operators in 17 countries throughout Asia, Europe, 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, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more information on Novatel Wireless visit www.novatelwireless.com (nvtlg)

(C) 2004 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Merlin U630, Expedite, 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.

Novatel Wireless
Kim K. Haneke, 858-812-0621
[email protected]
or
LEWIS PR
Katie Assar/Noah Dye, 619-516-2559
[email protected]

Copyright (C) 2005 Business Wire. All rights reserved.

News Provided by COMTEX