Novatel Wireless Receives Gear of the Year Recognition from PCWorld Magazine

SAN DIEGO, Feb 24, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc., (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced its MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot device is one of PCWorld Magazine's coveted Gear of the Year recipients.

This distinction is presented annually to celebrate "the most innovative, interesting products we've seen (or waiting to see) this year."

The MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot represents a new category of mobile broadband device, which supports a rich application environment for both enterprise customers and consumers. Unlike previous wireless router solutions that require an external broadband modem and serve only to provide connectivity, the MiFi family of products supports GPS and creates an easily portable, personal cloud of high-speed Internet connectivity that can be shared between multiple users and up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, MIDs, UMPCs, smartphones, cameras, gaming devices or portable media players. MiFi provides freedom from WiFi hotspots, allowing you to bring Internet access with you and share that access with your personal set of Wi-Fi devices.

In praising MiFi's innovative technology, PCWorld stated: "Why hunt for a hotspot when you can carry one in your pocket? Novatel's slender, cigarette-case-size MiFi lets you build a portable Wi-Fi network around a high-speed 3G cellular connection. You can share a single mobile broadband account between multiple users and/or devices, whether you're at home, in a hotel room, or in some dark region of the world where even a Starbucks hotspot can't be found. (You will, however, have to supply your own lattes.) Available for EvDO Rev A and HSPA (GSM) networks from selected wireless carriers, as yet unannounced."

"We are honored to have been chosen among the 22 finalists for our new MiFi device, especially given the thousands of new electronic products PCWorld has to consider before narrowing its list of the best," said Peter Leparulo, chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This recognition is further confirmation we are meeting our customers' needs with the most advanced and innovative wireless products for mobile users."

Among the key attributes of MiFi is it's easy to use. Users are one-click away from their personalized content and services, with no need for installing host applications or hardware drivers as part of the installation process. MiFi's internal battery provides up to four hours of active use and forty hours standby on a single charge. It enables subscribers to access high-speed Internet from anywhere there is a cellular connection, including moving vehicles and delivers upload and downlink speeds that meet or exceed those of traditional USB or cable modems.

Novatel Wireless recently announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that Telefonica Espana will be the first mobile operator worldwide to launch the European version of MiFi, the MiFi 2352 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, on their high-speed HSPA data network.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G and 4G WCDMA (HSPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' USB modems, embedded modules, Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products and software enable high-speed wireless Internet access on leading wireless data networks. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, OEMs 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) 2009 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name, logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless
Patty Goodwin, 858-431-3726
[email protected]
or
Nadel Phelan
Mike Kelly, 831-440-2403
[email protected]

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