Novatel Wireless and Sprint to Deliver First CDMA 3G -- 1xRTT -- PC Card and Handheld Internet Solution for Sprint PCS Nationwide Wireless Network
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2001--
Novatel Wireless to Provide Sprint PCS With PCMCIA PC
Cards and Handheld Sleeves for the Palm V
Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a provider of wireless data communications access solutions, and Sprint PCS (NYSE:PCS), the fastest-growing all-digital, all-PCS voice and data nationwide wireless network, today announced plans to release the Merlin(TM) Wireless PC Card, based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology for Sprint PCS and a handheld solution for the Palm V(R). The solution will enable the PC card to work in-conjunction with the Palm V(R).
"We are very pleased to announce that Sprint PCS has chosen Novatel Wireless to deliver the first 1xRTT PCMCIA upgradeable CDMA PC Card and a sleeve for the Palm V," said John Major, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "Sprint PCS continues to build on its market leadership by offering high-speed data solutions via the Sprint PCS Wireless Web for Business. Our innovative products will provide Sprint customers with 3G next generation connectivity products that enhance productivity for the professional on the go."
The PCMCIA Card solution will support 2G IS95A initially at launch and will be the first PC Card to offer software upgradeable to 1xRTT
-- one of the first steps to 3G for Sprint PCS ensuring the fast, secure transfer of wireless data and a rich wireless Internet browsing experience using both PCs and PDAs. High-speed, next generation wireless technology will allow mobile users to access the Internet and corporate enterprise applications at speeds of up to 144 kbps.
This new device will become an integral part of the Sprint PCS Wireless Web for Business -- a portfolio of products and services aimed at providing solutions for enterprise customers to wirelessly extend their corporate applications to the mobile workforce.
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(R) family of Wireless Palmtop Modems, Merlin(TM) Wireless PC Cards, Sage(R) Wireless Serial Modems, Lancer 3W(TM) Wireless 3 Watt Modems and Expedite(TM) family of Wireless Embedded Modules. 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.
About Sprint PCS
Sprint PCS operates the largest all-digital, all-PCS, voice and data nationwide wireless network in the United States. Sprint PCS already serves the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas, including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS Web site at www.sprintpcs.com. Sprint PCS is a wholly-owned tracking group of Sprint Corporation and trades on the NYSE under the symbol "PCS."
Sprint is a global communications company -- at the forefront of integrating long-distance, local and wireless communications services, and a large carrier of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' first nationwide, all-digital, fiber-optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $23 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 20 million business and residential customers.
In Respect to Novatel Wireless: 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, development of new products, the Company's continuing relationship with Sprint PCS, 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.
Note to Editors: The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, Minstrel V, Minstrel S, Merlin, 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.
CONTACT:
Candelori Communications (For Novatel Wireless)
Al Hernandez, 408/774-3414
ahernandez@candelori.com
or
Blue Shirt Group Investor Relations
(For Novatel Wireless)
Chris Danne, 415/217-7722
chris@blueshirtgroup.com
Lyle Ross, 415/217-7722
lyle@blueshirtgroup.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
BW0053 FEB 22,2001
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