Novatel Wireless Supplies VoiceStream with PC Data Card for use over Nationwide GSM/GPRS Wireless Data Network
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - March 4, 2002-Novatel Wireless, Inc. NVTL, a provider of wireless data communications access solutions, and VoiceStream Wireless, a leading provider of GSM/GPRS wireless voice and data services in the United States, today announced availability of the Wireless PC Card Modem by Novatel Wireless, Inc. for use on VoiceStream's high-speed GSM/GPRS wireless data network called iStream, available in over 6500 cities across North America.
"We're pleased to provide our customers with a new level of flexibility and simplicity for using VoiceStream's nationwide data network to get more from life," said Cole Brodman, VP, Product Development for VoiceStream. "The PC Data Card is an easy to use solution for the individual user who wants high-speed Internet access or for companies who have deployed VPN's or Web Outlook services," Brodman said.
"We are excited to partner with VoiceStream to provide their customers with a complete wireless data solution, that integrates the iStream PC card modem with VoiceStream's high speed wireless data network, delivering both superior flexibility and performance," said John Major, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This agreement is another step in our goal to partner with premier wireless service providers, as we expand our customer base and product offerings in the U.S. and abroad."
iSTREAM PC CARD MODEM
Slightly larger than a credit card, the iStream PC Card Modem gives mobile professionals the freedom to use their laptop or Pocket PC personal digital assistant to securely access private and public networks while on the go in over 6500 cities nationwide. Customers simply slide the iStream PC card into the PC card slot of a laptop or Pocket PC for `always on, always connected' access to e-mail, corporate databases, and the Internet at average speeds of 40 kbps, exceeding standard dial-up wired connections. The iStream PC card is compatible with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, SE, ME, NT, 2000 and Pocket PC 3.0 operating systems. Included with the card is iStream's easy to use Starfish software that guides the user through the modem's configuration.
The iStream PC Data Card is available for $274.99 through VoiceStream National Account and Business Sales, select VoiceStream retail outlets, and at www.voicestream.com.
ABOUT GSM/GPRS
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a standardized packet-switched data service that allows Internet protocol data communications to be sent and received over the existing GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications ) wireless system. GPRS is a packet-switched service in which several users share a set of time slots and the network assigns the time slots, as they are required. Because of the efficiencies in a packet switched network, mobile iStream users will enjoy average data download rates of 40 kbps. In addition, the GPRS network is only used when data is being transmitted but the user retains a virtual connection to the chosen computer network throughout the day. GSM service providers around the world are aggressively enhancing their service capabilities through the support of GPRS for packet data.
GPRS wireless technology employs extensive authentication and encryption via standard GSM algorithms, making it one of the most secure public wireless systems in the world. The Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM card), a component of the GSM network, stores the authentication algorithms, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized users to capture and decipher messages.
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 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.
ABOUT VOICESTREAM WIRELESS
Based in Bellevue, Wash., VoiceStream and its affiliates own licenses to provide service to over 97 percent of the U.S. population. VoiceStream's committed to providing the best value in wireless service through its `GET MORE` promise to provide customers with more minutes, more features and more service than any other wireless provider in the markets they serve. VoiceStream uses and operates the globally dominant Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology platform. VoiceStream is a member of the T-Mobile International group, the mobile telecommunications subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom DT. Through its subsidiaries and other investments, Deutsche Telekom today serves more than 65 million mobile telephony subscribers worldwide. For more information, visit the company web site at voicestream.com.
The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, 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.
In Regards 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 international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, technological changes, increased levels of competition, 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.