Novatel Wireless Announces PC Card Modem Availability for Cingular's HSDPA Network; Provides Wireless Broadband Access for America's First 3G Network Based upon the Global Wireless Standard - GSM

SAN DIEGO, Dec 06, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVTL) today announced the availability of its Merlin U730(TM) High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) Wireless PC Card Modem to support the launch of Cingular Wireless' initial 3G network launch.

The Merlin U730 gives Cingular Wireless customers data access to the first commercial HSDPA network in America. With average speeds between 400 and 700 kilobits per second and bursts over a megabit, business professionals can conveniently access email including large attachments, connect to corporate networks and applications via VPNs, and surf the Internet.

Due to the Merlin U730's backward compatibility, the card works not only on Cingular's newly launched HSDPA network but also on Cingular'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 Cingular expands its HSPDA network, subscribers using the Merlin U730 can automatically connect without having to purchase a new PC card, additional hardware or upgrade rate plans.

"Through Cingular's close relationship with Novatel Wireless, and based on the company's high-quality Merlin line of PC Card Modems, our decision to sell its new HSDPA cards was an easy one to make," said Jeff Bradley, vice president for Cingular's business markets group. "By teaming up with Novatel Wireless, Cingular has the opportunity to provide the most advanced data card solutions for new and existing customers."

"We are excited to be a part of the first HSDPA network launch in America, and it's a great testament to our technology that we were selected to provide the initial PC data cards for this rollout," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "As the largest US carrier, Cingular Wireless is definitely leading the charge into the 3G wireless revolution. Novatel Wireless will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure advanced high-speed broadband solutions are available for both mobile enterprise users and consumers."

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.

Pricing and Availability

The Novatel Wireless Merlin U730 is available from Cingular for as low as $99.99 based on a two-year, unlimited Data Connect plan. Cingular's unlimited use Data Connect rate plan is on special offer for $59.99 for qualified customers through December 31, 2005(a). To purchase the Merlin U730, please call 1 866 429 7222 or visit www.cingular.com/broadbandconnect.

(a) Requires two-year contract and Cingular voice plan of $39.99 or above.

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) 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/Noah Dye
619-516-2559         
619-708-7413         
[email protected]                 
or
Cingular Wireless                        
Ritch Blasi, 908-696-4242 (office)   
908-612-1760 (mobile)   
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2005

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