Lake-Sumter EMS Improves Emergency Response Effectiveness with Combined Solution from Novatel Wireless and Junxion

SAN DIEGO & SEATTLE, Apr 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, and Junxion, Inc., today announced Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has deployed Novatel Wireless Merlin(TM) PC720 modems and Junxion Box(TM) routers to bolster the capabilities and effectiveness of its emergency response systems. Functioning as the main information hub of Lake-Sumter's new state-of-the-art EMS Communications Center, the combined wireless solution maximizes mobile resources and provides the best support for the county's first responders.

"Facing the challenge of managing multiple, often overlapping demands from Lake County's medical and fire rescue divisions, the EMS operations managers have long sought ways to better manage assets in real time," said Jim Root, chief information officer for Lake-Sumter EMS. "After putting cellular data services to the test, we quickly determined that the newly deployed '3G' networks are capable of reliably networking time-sensitive data communications between EMS personnel in the field, caregivers at area hospitals, staff at the Communications Center and patient financial services."

After validating the effectiveness of using high-speed cellular networks for emergency response scenarios, Lake-Sumter deployed rugged Junxion Box routers, coupled with the Junxion Field Commander remote management service in 40 Lake-Sumter aide vehicles. Lake-Sumter's technology team chose to activate the Junxion Box routers with Merlin PC720 modems to support high-speed EV-DO Rev. A cellular networks. The Novatel Wireless modems provide the range necessary for connectivity in most of the rural areas of the two counties.

"We went from waiting a minimum of four days for a patient care report to getting it the same day, dramatically reducing our time to bill for service," said Jim Judge, executive director for Lake-Sumter EMS. "The net effect was the most positive impact to our cash flow cycle to date."

"The GPS capability provided by the Novatel Wireless modems enable Lake-Sumter EMS vehicles carrying Junxion routers to transmit their locations, allowing the Command Center to see the whereabouts of the fleet at all times," explained Peter Polson, president of Junxion. "Novatel Wireless provided an excellent software development kit and worked closely with Junxion engineers to develop an online mapping application using Google Maps, which enables dispatchers and field supervisors to map the location and path of any Lake-Sumter EMS vehicle staged across Central Florida."

The combined solution was put to the test in January 2008, when a fiery pile-up involving more than 40 vehicles closed nearly 15 miles of Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando. Blinding conditions were created when dense fog mixed with smoke from a brush fire where at least six tractor-trailer rigs had burned.

Lake-Sumter EMS volunteered to assist Polk County Public Safety in rescuing victims and transporting them to waiting hospitals. Directing first responders blinded by conditions on the ground, Lake-Sumter EMS orchestrated its deployment by relying on the GPS functionality of the Novatel modems and Junxion Field Commander to monitor advanced life support units arriving and exiting the crash sites. As a result, the Departmental Operations Center was able to provide a new level of safety for the crash victims and first responders.

"Lake-Sumter EMS' highly successful use of EVDO Rev A. technology in managing emergency response teams validates the reliability and usefulness of cellular networks for mission critical enterprise applications," said Brad Weinert, president of Novatel Wireless. "We look forward to continuing our close relationship with Junxion and other technology partners to help bring these valuable applications to market."

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is revolutionizing wireless communications. The company is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G WCDMA (HSDPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards and ExpressCards, Expedite(R) Embedded Modules, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) Fixed Mobile Convergence Products 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 please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

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.

ABOUT JUNXION, INC.

Junxion is the market leader delivering cellular router solutions supporting more than 1,500 enterprise and government customer organizations. The company's Junxion Box(TM) router, with patent-pending Junxion firmware, makes it easier to connect with wireless data services from major U.S. wireless carriers. AT&T and Sprint actively promote Junxion products for a wide array of enterprise applications including data service back-up, fixed and mobile M2M/telemetry and portable networks. Junxion Complete(TM) (turnkey installed solution programs) and Junxion Field Commander(TM) (hosted commercial-grade remote management tool) make it easy to deploy and manage Junxion solutions. Junxion, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Additional information is available at www.junxion.com.

(C) 2007 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo and Merlin, are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless
Patty Goodwin, 858-431-3726
pgoodwin@nvtl.com
or
Mike Kelly, 831-440-2403
Michael@nadelphelan.com
or
for Junxion, Inc.
Mike Brennan, 206-283-6908
mike@brennancom.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008

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