Novatel Wireless Announces Plug-and-Play Software for Ovation MC870D USB Modem and Merlin X950D ExpressCard

ORLANDO, Fla., Mar 28, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced software upgrades to products in the Ovation(TM) and Merlin(TM) family of mobile broadband access solutions. The software enhancements eliminate manual software installation time for the Ovation MC870D pocket-sized HSDPA USB modem and the Merlin X950D HSUPA/HSDPA ExpressCard(TM), a smaller and faster version of the PCMCIA card that utilizes the ExpressCard/34 form factor. The software upgrade not only increases the ease-of-installation for both products, it also significantly decreases the burden on carrier technical support services.

"We believe that both operators and end-users will be extremely pleased with the new upgrades to the Ovation USB modem and Merlin ExpressCard," said Rob Hadley, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales & Marketing. "Novatel is committed to delivering innovative products that not only provide value to our operator customers, but also enable the end-user to access broadband networks more quickly and easily. Novatel Wireless will continue to elevate the end-user experience by extending our innovative upgraded software solutions throughout our family of products."

The new, enhanced software for the Ovation MC870D and Merlin X950D eliminates the need to install drivers from a CD, which is the traditional process used by similar, competitive products. The driver information contained on each card is installed automatically the first time it is used, providing plug-and-play operation and accelerating broadband network access for the end-user.

Ovation MC870D USB Modem:

-- The Ovation MC870D is a pocket-sized, high-speed download packet access (HSUPA/HSDPA) USB modem that delivers mobile broadband access with download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps

-- Available as an alternative to a PC card or ExpressCard, the modem connects to a USB slot allowing use in either laptop or desktop PCs

-- Device includes diversity and equalizer advanced receiver technology and is optimized for use in Europe with diversity on the 2100 MHz band

Merlin X950D ExpressCard:

-- The Merlin X950D ExpressCard is a next-generation global, tri-band (high-speed upload packet access) HSUPA/HSDPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS wireless modem

-- HSDPA Category 6 supports high-speed 3.5 Mbps downlink and 384 Kpbs uplink data packet access

-- The card can be used in both ExpressCard/34 and 54 slots as well as with Novatel Wireless adapters in PCMCIA and USB slots

-- Full 2.1 Mbps HSUPA upload and HSDPA 7.2 download Mpbs performance upgradeable

-- Full 3.5G and GPS capabilities

For more information, please visit http://www.novatelwireless.com or visit the Novatel Wireless booth (4366) at CTIA Wireless 2007.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is revolutionizing wireless communications. The company is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G WCDMA (HSDPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards and ExpressCards, Expedite(R) Embedded Modules, MobiLink(TM)Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) Fixed Mobile Convergence Products and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access. 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 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) 2007 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Expedite, MobiLink, Ovation and Conversa are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Nadel Phelan
Mike Kelly, 831-440-2403
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2007

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