October 14, 2002
Irvine, Calif.– October 14, 2002 -- Extending its leadership in the mobile computing industry, Toshiba’s Computer Systems Group (CSG) today announced it will offer PCS Vision service from Sprint (NYSE: FON/PCS) along with the PCS Connection CardTM by Novatel Wireless (Merlin C201TM) (Nasdaq:NVTL). Coupling Toshiba’s mobile products with the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network and the PCS Connection Card by Novatel Wireless (Merlin C201) allows the mobile workforce to further enhance their wireless capabilities. Customers may select from a variety of service plans designed to fit any business need.
Leveraging its industry-leading strengths in mobility, Toshiba’s offering joined with Novatel Wireless and Sprint allows business customers to access email, the Internet, corporate databases and other corporate communications on their Toshiba notebooks when they are mobile anywhere on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.
“Our relationship with Novatel Wireless and Sprint is a significant part of Toshiba’s mobility strategy aimed at keeping our customers connected and productive wherever they are on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network,” said Oscar Koenders, vice president of product marketing and worldwide product planning, Toshiba CSG. “Whether accessing corporate applications or sending and receiving email while waiting for a flight, the combination of a Toshiba notebook with the PCS Connection Card by Novatel Wireless and PCS Vision service from Sprint is a powerful productivity package that ultimately impacts the bottom line.”
Slightly larger than a credit card, the Merlin C201 PC Card is designed to operate on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, offering mobile users high-speed wireless data access up to 144 Kbps, with average speeds of 50 to 70 Kbps. With 2-way wireless WAN, it redefines the way the mobile workforce stays connected.
“The launch of PCS Vision from Sprint has been a catalyst for increased wireless use and adoption, while Toshiba has a clear leadership position in mobile computing, and is the largest supplier of laptops worldwide,” commented Peter Leparulo, senior vice president, CDMA operations of Novatel Wireless. “We are pleased to be a leading supplier to both of these companies, as we all share a commitment to providing best-in-class mobility solutions to businesses and individuals nationwide.”
Pricing and Availability
Toshiba’s corporate enterprise customers can purchase the PCS Connection Card by Novatel Wireless (Merlin C201) at a suggested retail price of $249 and also choose from four primary PCS Vision service plans ranging from $39.99 to $119.99 a month. The offer is open to both existing and potential Sprint and Toshiba business customers.
About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
Toshiba Computer Systems Group is a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (“TAIS”), a leading vendor for portable computers. In addition to notebooks, the company offers portable and wireless accessories, Pocket PCs, projectors and mobile server computing solutions for business customers under the Toshiba brand name. For more information call 1-800-TOSHIBA or visit the company's Web site at www.csd.toshiba.com
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of multiple divisions that provide computer, communications and imaging products and services. Products include industry leading portable computers, PDAs, mobile computing accessories, servers, including communications and portable servers, storage subsystems, cable modems, digital business telephone systems, voice-mail, digital cameras, security systems, and projectors. TAIS provides sales, marketing, services and manufacturing for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is a world leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems. Toshiba has global sales of over $40 billion and more than 300 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide.
Information in press releases, including without limitation product prices, specifications, content of services, and contact information, is current on the date of the press announcement, but is subject to change without notice.
About Novatel Wireless, Inc.
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data modems and software for use with handheld computing devices and portable personal computers. The company delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions that enable businesses and consumers to access personal, corporate and public information through email, enterprise networks and the Internet. Novatel Wireless also offers wireless data modems and custom engineering services for hardware integration projects in a wide range of vertical applications. The Novatel Wireless product portfolio includes the Minstrel® Family of Wireless Handheld Modems, MerlinTM Family of Wireless PC Card Modems, Sage® Wireless Serial Modems, Lancer 3WTM Family of Ruggedized Modems and ExpediteTM Family of Wireless Embedded Modems. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: NVTL). For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888-888-9231.
© 2002 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, Merlin, Merlin C201, Sage, Lancer 3W and Expedite are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Minstrel and Sage are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.
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. 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. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, 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 and other regulatory agencies.