Novatel Wireless Announces First Commercial Shipment of Merlin G300TM GSM/GPRS PC Cards to Cingular Wireless

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – February 18, 2003 – Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless data access solutions, today announced first commercial shipments of the Merlin G300^TM Wireless PC Card Modem to Cingular Wireless. The Merlin G300 will enable mobile professionals to stay connected to critical information by offering secure wireless access to the Internet, e-mail and corporate networks at data speeds up to 53.6 kbps.

First in a series of true Type II PC card modems by Novatel Wireless, the Merlin G300 is designed to operate on Cingular’s 1900 MHz band GSM/GPRS network. Compatible with all Windows^® operating systems, the Merlin G300 includes modem manager software to simplify installation and set-up. GSM/GPRS networks allow for an "Always On" experience.

"With more than 22 million voice and data customers, Cingular is a true industry leader in mobile and voice data communications," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This is a major technological and business milestone for Novatel Wireless and we are pleased to supply Cingular with the Merlin G300 to bring the full capabilities of next generation wireless data connectivity to their customers."

ABOUT THE MERLIN G300 SERIES
The Merlin G300 Series Wireless PC Card Modems are designed to operate on 900,1800 or 1900 MHz band GSM/GPRS networks. First in a series of true Type II PC Card modems designed by Novatel Wireless, the Merlin G300^TM operates on the 1900 MHz band enabling secure access to email, attachments, the Internet, contacts, tasks, calendar information, and corporate networks at speeds up to 53.6 kbps in General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) coverage areas, and 14.4 kbps in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) coverage areas. Next in the series, the Merlin G301^TM will operate on 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands offering worldwide access to wireless data as well as standard GSM voice capabilities allowing the user to originate and receive calls from a laptop or Pocket PC device. Both Merlin G300 Series Wireless PC Card Modems are compatible with laptops with a Type II PC card slot and Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP operating systems.

ABOUT GSM/GPRS
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet switched wireless data network that allows for data to be sent and received using GPRS devices more quickly and cost-effectively than was possible over the GSM (Global System for Mobile) cellular system. GPRS wireless technology employs extensive authentication and encryption via standard GSM algorithms, making it one of the most secure public wireless systems in the world. The Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM card), a component of the GSM network, stores the authentication and encryption algorithms, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized users to capture and decipher messages.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data modems and software for use with handheld computing devices and portable personal computers. The Company delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions that enable businesses and consumers to access personal, corporate and public information through email, enterprise networks and the Internet. Novatel Wireless also offers wireless data modems and custom engineering services for hardware integration projects in a wide range of vertical applications. The Novatel Wireless product portfolio includes the Merlin^TM Family of Wireless PC Card Modems, Expedite^TM Family of Wireless Embedded Modems, Minstrel^® Family of Wireless Handheld Modems, Lancer 3W^TM Family of Ruggedized Modems and Sage^® Wireless Serial Modems. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: NVTL). For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888-888-9231.