Novatel Wireless Updates on EV-DO Rev A PC Card; Pre-Commercial Units Delivered Ahead of Schedule

SAN DIEGO, Mar 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the development of the Merlin 720 EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) Rev A (Revision A) PC Card for next-generation broadband wireless services. After making live EV-DO Rev A data calls several weeks ago, the company has delivered working pre-commercial units to leading operators to support future global CDMA network upgrades.

Novatel Wireless' second generation EV-DO PC Card will enable downlink speeds up to 3.1Mbps (Megabits per second) and uplink up to 1.8Mbps. This is approximately eleven times faster uplink than the currently deployed EV-DO networks. CDMA Revision A technology also incorporates quality of service controls to manage latency on the network. With the Merlin 720, operators will be able to introduce advanced multimedia data services, including data and broadcast over all IP networks. Commercial shipments of the Merlin 720 are currently expected to begin in the third quarter of 2006.

"Our delivery of pre-commercial Merlin 720 PC Cards ahead of schedule demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in our core PC Card market, while simultaneously diversifying into additional markets," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "We look forward to even further expanding our position as the market leader in EV-DO PC Cards in North America as we migrate to Rev A with the Merlin 720."

About Novatel Wireless

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, Calif., Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ:NVTL. For more information, visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

(C) 2006 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Expedite, Expedite EV620, 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.

his 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
LEWIS PR
Aida Causevic/Noah Dye, 858-442-7342/619-708-7413
[email protected]

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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