Novatel Wireless Updates EV-DO and HSDPA Embedded Module Development Programs for North America and Europe; Announces Commercial Availability of EV-DO and HSDPA Express Mini Card Embedded Modules for Two Major Wireless Markets

SAN DIEGO, Feb 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced an update to its embedded module developments across major Evolution Data Only (EV-DO) and High Speed Data Packet Access (HSDPA) standards, as follows:

Expedite EV620(TM) EV-DO Wireless PCI Express Mini Card

An embedded module for integration into laptops, the PCI Express Mini Card is a form factor specification designed in mobile platforms and is optimized for most laptop systems. The Expedite EV620 provides wireless broadband data access on EV-DO networks at speeds up to 2.4 Mbps, and is designed for easy integration into laptop platforms and other wireless devices. The Expedite EV620 also includes receive diversity on 800 and 1900 MHz band CDMA2000 1xEV-DO and CDMA2000 1X networks, providing reliable connectivity, maximum data throughput and efficient management of device power consumption. The Novatel Wireless Expedite EV620 is backward compatible to CDMA2000 1X for true nationwide data connectivity in the US. With connection speeds comparable to DSL, laptops can quickly and easily stream audio and video files and download data-intensive attachments and multimedia applications anywhere within an EV-DO service area.

Expedite EU730(TM) and Expedite EU740(TM) HSDPA PCI Express Mini Cards

The Expedite EU730 operates on 850 and 1900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA networks in North America, while the Expedite U740 operates on 2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA networks in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The Expedite EU730 and EU740 enable data speeds up to 1.8 Mbps, and are backward compatible to 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz Enhanced Data Rate for Global Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks for wireless data access worldwide. Laptops integrated with the EU730 will be targeted for the North American market, while the EU740 integrated laptops will be available for the European market.

"This achievement is a testament to the quality and diversity of our broadband data solutions," said Peter Leparulo, chief executive officer for Novatel Wireless. "We are currently working with several leading laptop and other mobile computing manufacturers to offer consumers and business professionals the convenience and flexibility of wireless broadband computing from any location."

PCI Express Mini Card is a form factor specification designed in mobile platforms and is optimized for most laptop systems. The PCI Express Mini Card design of the Expedite EV620, the EU730 and EU740 is standard in most notebooks, providing quick and easy integration, and minimizing space on the laptop motherboard. This enables platform manufacturers to reduce integration costs and maintain external slots for other functions.

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) 2006 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Merlin V620, Merlin V720, Expedite, Expedite EV620, Expedite EU730, Expedite EU740, 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.

For Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Aida Causevic/Andy Oliver, 619-516-2559
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2006

News Provided by COMTEX