Verizon Wireless and Novatel Wireless Announce Commercial Availability of Wireless Broadband ExpressCard

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN DIEGO, Aug 03, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, and Novatel Wireless (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the availability of a WWAN PCI ExpressCard/34, the V640, for use with Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service. Available online today, the V640 ExpressCard enables owners of notebooks with ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54 slots to wirelessly connect to the Internet at broadband speeds via Verizon Wireless' national high-speed 3G Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network.

Nearly half the size of standard PC Cards, Novatel Wireless' V640 is a compact and convenient product for mobile notebook users, featuring plug-n- play so that the ExpressCard can be plugged in or removed at any time. In addition, the V640 ExpressCard has an advanced dual-band diversity design that incorporates an external flip antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception. With the V640 and BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless, enterprise customers and consumers with ExpressCard slots in their notebooks can now remain wirelessly connected to colleagues, clients, family and friends at any time, when out of the office or away from a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Included with the V640 ExpressCard is Verizon Wireless' VZAccess Manager software. After installing the software, a setup wizard guides the customer through a simple installation process and then allows the customer to specify preferences. After completing the installation, Verizon Wireless customers simply plug the V640 into the ExpressCard slot in their notebooks to receive instant access to the most award-winning, wide-area, high-speed wireless data service in the nation. In addition, the V640 ExpressCard is backward compatible with Verizon Wireless' NationalAccess network, allowing uninterrupted use outside of the EV-DO coverage area.

"Expanding and strengthening our relationship with Verizon Wireless, and making sure its enterprise and consumer users have the most innovative wireless computing capabilities, are key objectives for Novatel Wireless," said Peter Leparulo, chief executive officer of Novatel Wireless. "With the introduction of our compact and high-speed EV-DO ExpressCards, we continue to expand our product line and bring the latest wireless broadband solutions to market."

Customers with any monthly Verizon Wireless voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess for Internet browsing, e-mail and intranet access for an additional $59.99 monthly access. For non-voice customers, BroadbandAccess is available for $79.99 monthly access for unlimited use for Internet browsing, e-mail and intranet access. The V640 ExpressCard is available for $179.99 with a new two-year customer agreement or $229.99 with a new one-year customer agreement and is available immediately through Verizon Wireless' business sales channels and online at www.verizonwireless.com. The V640 ExpressCard will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores from coast to coast beginning on August 24.

For more information on Verizon Wireless data services, including BroadbandAccess and Novatel Wireless' V640 ExpressCard, 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 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., 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 preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is helping to revolutionize wireless communications. The company is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G W CDMA (HSDPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards, Expedite(R) Embedded Modems, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) 3G Multimedia Application Consoles and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access. 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 visit www.novatelwireless.com.

Novatel Wireless, 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 Verizon Wireless

Brenda Boyd Raney of Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7518,
[email protected]; or Carolyn McCartney of Novatel Wireless,
+1-858-320-8822, or [email protected]

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