Verizon Wireless and Novatel Wireless Announce Availability of Next Generation Broadband Wireless PC Card for Verizon Wireless' 3G EV-DO Network

SAN DIEGO & BEDMINSTER, N.J., Jan 12, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, and Verizon Wireless, the nation's leader in next-generation technology deployment, today announced the availability of the V620 Wireless PC Card for use on Verizon Wireless' high-speed 3G Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network. With the V620 PC Card, Verizon Wireless customers can access BroadbandAccess, Verizon Wireless' premiere data service for business customers, powered by EV-DO technology - the fastest commercially available wide-area wireless network in the nation today. BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless is currently available in 32 major metropolitan markets across the United States, and the company plans to expand the network throughout 2005.

The V620 uses dual band EV-DO and 1xRTT technologies to give business customers access to both BroadbandAccess and NationalAccess, based on 1xRTT technology, for truly national data coverage. Because EV-DO technology is backward compatible, it is a cost effective and efficient solution for enterprise customers, business customers and mobile professionals. The V620 is the first PC Card from Verizon Wireless to include a built-in dual band diversity antenna to enhance performance by maximizing data throughput.

Included with the V620 Wireless PC Card is Verizon Wireless' VZAccess Manager software. After installing VZAccess Manager, Verizon Wireless customers simply plug the V620 into their laptops to receive access to the fastest commercially available wide-area high-speed wireless data service in the nation. BroadbandAccess gives Verizon Wireless customers typical download speeds of 300 - 500 kbps and bursts up to 2.4 Mbps, providing them with a wireless data experience similar to using high-speed wired connections at the office. Business customers are provided with a "wired LAN experience" while they are in the field, and are able to access data quickly and easily, increasing overall productivity by remaining connected to customers, partners and co-workers.

"The enhanced performance of the V620 provides an improved user experience and enables Verizon Wireless customers to have a competitive edge when it comes to wirelessly accessing data when they're in major cities or airports from coast to coast," said Cindy Patterson, vice president of enterprise data for Verizon Wireless. "With the fastest wide-area 3G network available, Verizon Wireless subscribers can not only access email and the Internet without the hassle of cables or finding a nearby hotspot, but they can also use the V620 to transfer files and access data saved on corporate networks."

"Novatel Wireless is pleased to be a key supplier of EV-DO PC Cards to Verizon Wireless," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This relationship enhances Novatel Wireless' North American market leadership by providing our next generation PC Card modem technology to mobile workers and consumers through market leaders like Verizon Wireless."

Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service is $79.99 for monthly access for unlimited use. The V620 is $99.99 after $100.00 mail in rebate and 2-year customer agreement and is available beginning January 17, 2005 through Verizon Wireless' Business sales channels. The companies expect to offer the PC Card through Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on January 24, 2005.

For more information on Verizon Wireless data services, including BroadbandAccess, and the V620 PC Card by Novatel Wireless, business customers can contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative directly at 1-800-VZW-4-BIZ.

ABOUT VERIZON WIRELESS

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE:VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.

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. (NVTLG)

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

Novatel Wireless
Kim K. Haneke, 858-812-0621
[email protected]
or
Verizon Wireless
Jeffrey Nelson, 908-306-4824
[email protected]

Copyright (C) 2005 Business Wire. All rights reserved.

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