Novatel Wireless and Lucent Technologies Deliver 'Always On' Connectivity to Maxis Subscribers across Malaysia

MURRAY HILL, N.J. & SAN DIEGO & MALAYSIA, Jun 02, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Consumers and business professionals in Malaysia no longer have to worry about finding a 'hotspot' in order to connect wirelessly to the Internet. Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ:NVTL), Lucent Technologies (NYSE:LU) and Maxis Communications Bhd today announced the availability of the Merlin U530(TM) Wireless PC Card Modem, branded the Maxis 3G Connect data card, for high-speed data access on Maxis's 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) network in Malaysia.

Maxis subscribers will have access to data at speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second, by simply installing Novatel Wireless' MobiLink(TM) software and inserting the Maxis 3G Connect data card into a laptop. Jointly developed by Lucent and Novatel Wireless, the Maxis 3G Connect data card provides high-speed access to streaming video and audio, emails with large attachments and other corporate information stored behind firewalls. The Maxis 3G Connect data card is backward compatible to GPRS and GSM networks for added connectivity options.

"Often times, business travelers are stuck looking for a coffee shop or bookstore simply to send an email while out of the office," said Maxis' Head of 3G and Wireless Broadband, Dr. Nikolai Dobberstein. "With Maxis 3G Connect, we are able to provide our customers with convenient wireless connectivity. We are pleased to be the first provider of high-speed wireless PC Card Modems to Malaysian business subscribers and look forward to providing innovative 3G services in the future."

"Novatel Wireless PC data cards will deliver fast and affordable wireless broadband access to all Maxis customers within its 3G network," said John Leonard, vice president for strategy, business development and offer management with Lucent Technologies' Network Solutions Group. "Having access to corporate networks while out of the office provides a level of convenience that Wi-Fi can't match, allowing true mobility for remote workers. We look forward to collaborating with Novatel Wireless and Maxis to help roll out 3G services across Malaysia."

"It's essential that business users are able to access enterprise applications and stay in touch with clients while away from the office, ultimately providing companies with a critical competitive advantage," said Rob Hadley, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Novatel Wireless. "As the leader in UMTS PC Card Modem development, we are committed to providing high-speed data access to all countries across the globe. By collaborating with Maxis and Lucent, we are one step closer to making this a reality."

Novatel Wireless and Lucent Technologies are the global leaders in UMTS PC Card sales with Merlin UMTS PC Cards available from 15 operators in 18 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America.

ABOUT MAXIS COMMUNICATIONS BERHAD

Maxis, Malaysia's premier telecommunications company and market leader with 41% share, provides high quality voice and data services to more than 6 million customers. Its mobile postpaid and prepaid services are offered under the maxis and Hotlink brands respectively. The company has achieved its leading position through a clear strategy of developing premium brands, providing quality network and customer services and introducing innovative services and products. In support of its mobile business, Maxis also operates an international portal as well as a domestic fixed line network, which offers voice and data services to business customers. Its broadband infrastructure includes wireless, fibre optic, microwave and VSAT technologies. For more information on Maxis, please visit our corporate Web site at http://www.maxis.com.my/.

ABOUT LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES

Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit www.lucent.com.

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) 2005 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Expedite, 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.

LEWIS PR for Novatel Wireless
Katie Assar/Noah Dye, +1 619-516-2559
[email protected]
or
Lucent Technologies
Kurt Steinert
+1 973-386-8438 - Office
+1 908-285-1641 - Mobile
[email protected]

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