Novatel Wireless Launches EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard on Sprint Network

SAN DIEGO, Feb 06, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the commercial availability of the Novatel Wireless Rev. A ExpressCard(TM) for the Sprint Power Vision Network. This product offers A-GPS location-based capability and higher data speeds, providing Sprint users with increased mobility and productivity while maintaining contact with clients and colleagues.

With the Merlin(TM) EX720 ExpressCard, Sprint customers in areas of EV-DO Rev. A coverage can achieve a mobile DSL-like experience. When used in markets with the technology upgrade the Merlin EX720 provides average upload speeds of 350-500 Kbps (compared with 50-70 Kbps of current EV-DO networks) and average download speeds of 600 Kbps-1.4 Mbps (from 400-700 Kbps).

Through the location-based software capability, the users will be able to find nearby locations, such as restaurants, gas stations, banks etc., without having to input their current location. This is achieved with software that allows the ExpressCard to instinctively get a GPS reading. An automatically launched web browser, with a mapping software solution indicates the location of the user and provides results from the search query.

"Being an industry leader with another commercially available EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality wireless products that enhance our customers' time to market advantage," said Rob Hadley, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Novatel Wireless. "With the Merlin EX720, Sprint customers can now utilize the power of the first location-based services available on their EV-DO Rev. A network and we are pleased to work with Sprint in delivering this innovative solution to the market. This also begins our longer term growth initiatives of incorporating value-added applications into our products, and then extending our platforms and services into new end-to-end offerings."

The Merlin EX720 ExpressCard supports different operating systems and easily functions with Windows(R) (XP, 2000, Vista) and Mac(R) (10.4 or higher). This product is a smaller and lighter form factor than a traditional PCMCIA card and is designed for use in mobile computing notebooks that support the ExpressCard 34 and/or 54 interface.

The intuitive user interface via the Sprint Connection Manager is simple to install and allows for easy navigation through the card's cast features. Finally, the advanced dual band diversity antenna system design incorporates a flip-up antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception.

The Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 Rev. A ExpressCard will be available by late February in Sprint sales channels including retail stores and at www.sprint.com as the Merlin EX720 ExpressCard, a Sprint labeled and provisioned product.

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, Expedite(R) Embedded Modules, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) 3G Multimedia Application Consoles 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 visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

(C) 2007 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, 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.

Townsend Inc. for Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Liya Sharif/Natasha Grach, +1 858-457-4888
[email protected]
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2007

News Provided by COMTEX