Novatel Wireless MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot 4082 Earns PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award

SAN DIEGO, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that its 4G MiFi® Intelligent Mobile Hotspot has been chosen as PC Magazine Editors' Choice after reviewing the recently announced MiFi 4082. The full article can be seen at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2382886,00.asp.

"We are honored to have the MiFi 3G/4G recognized by PC Magazine as the best choice for connecting to Sprint's Nationwide network," said Peter Leparulo, chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless. "The MiFi 4082 has already received numerous awards for its excellent performance, ease-of-use, added functionality and industrial design. We're proud to be recognized for our commitment to bring innovative and best-in-class mobile broadband solutions to our customers."

In praising the MiFi 4082, PC Magazine stated: "The MiFi is smaller, and will probably likely get better battery life; right now, it looks like the best pick for road warriors," and concluded with a bottom line: "The excellent Novatel Wireless MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot 4082 is a fast and easy way to get multiple devices online with Sprint's unlimited mobile broadband."

With the ultra-compact award-winning MiFi® 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless, Sprint brings customers the portability of the MiFi design with one-touch connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, including tablets, eReaders, laptops or gaming consoles. MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot easily supports all the needs of a family household, a frequent traveler who wants to avoid Wi-Fi charges, or even a small business team with a form factor about the size of a credit card.

Sprint is the first carrier to launch a 4G MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot preloaded with MiFi OS™, widgets and application support, adding capabilities beyond just pure Internet connectivity and ensuring customers a reliable device that can easily be upgraded with the newest widgets and applications. Its predecessor, the MiFi 2200 by Novatel Wireless, was the industry's first and leading 3G Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. This version with 4G accessibility offers download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G service.(1) It also features an intuitive external display with status indicators for battery, signal strength, GPS, roaming and number of connected devices as well as improved battery life and shared storage capability through a microSD™ slot for up to a 32GB memory card. It supports Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems.

As the 17th 4G-capable device announced from Sprint, MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot will cost $79.99 (excluding taxes) on a new two-year service agreement (or eligible upgrade). The device is available via Direct Ship today, and will be available at all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1 starting on April 17.

MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot requires activation on a Sprint 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Plan starting as low as $49.99 per month.(2) The device can be used on both the Sprint 3G and 4G networks. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any of the 71 Sprint 4G markets or to use Sprint's reliable, nationwide 3G network.

(1) Up to 10x faster claim: Based on download speed comparison of Sprint 3G average speeds (600 kbps -1.4 Mbps) vs. Sprint 4G average speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary by plan or based on other factors.

(2) Sprint 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Plan includes unlimited 4G use and 5 GB of 3G use (300MB domestic roaming/off-network limit for 3G; additional MB: $0.05/MB for on-network usage, $0.25/MB for off-network usage). $49.99 price reflects a $10 discount off the standard national mobile broadband plan and requires the Sprint subscriber also have an eligible voice plan on their Sprint handset.

About Novatel Wireless

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. 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) 2011 Novatel Wireless, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The Novatel Wireless name and logo, MiFi, and MiFi OS are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Novatel Wireless