Novatel Wireless Ramps Shipments of New EV-DO Rev A Products

SAN DIEGO, Oct 02, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the successful introduction of three new EV-DO Rev. A products in the third quarter. All of these products, which span embedded module, PC Card, and USB form factors, are currently ramping shipments at major carrier or OEM customers. With these introductions, the total number of new products introduced in the third quarter was four -- a record for the Company.

"In a tight market for components, we are pleased with our success in commercializing four new Novatel Wireless products in the third quarter," said Peter Leparulo, Chief Executive Officer of Novatel Wireless. "These introductions are a testament to the success of our growth strategy as they span all three prongs of our diversification strategy: embedded modules, PC cards and fixed-mobile convergence. We are very pleased to have executed on commercialization of a product roadmap that has achieved multiple revenue drivers on our business, with strong revenue contributions from the most advanced products in our industry."

Mr. Leparulo continued, "Our feature-rich suite of Rev A products in a variety of form factors offer enhanced capabilities that take maximum advantage of the latest wireless technology. Now carriers can offer exciting new applications and advanced multimedia streaming services using their existing spectrum. We're very pleased not only to have executed to plan in the third quarter, but also to have significant order flow behind each of the new products in our diversified portfolio, from both tier-1 operators and laptop manufacturers."

The MCD3000 EV-DO USB product, part of the Ovation line, enables enterprise and small business professionals to access 3G networks through their desktops or laptop computers, as an alternative to wired broadband. The MCD3000 has a sleek and compact design, about the size of a small cell phone. It features downlink data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps (Megabits per second) and is backwards compatible with currently deployed EV-DO Rev 0 and CDMA 1xRTT technologies. In addition, the MCD3000 has wireless assisted global positioning capabilities and incorporates an advanced dual-band antenna system.

The Merlin M720 PC Card provides notebook users with the latest EV-DO technology on the market with backwards compatibility with EV-DO Rev 0 and 1xRTT networks as they evolve to the latest standard technology. Additionally, the product is GPS (Global Positioning System) ready and also incorporates an advanced dual-band diversity design.

The Expedite E720 PCI Express Mini Card Module features many of the same capabilities as the Merlin M720 PC Card, but allows the world's leading OEMs to embed the module at board level. By integrating the module into the product design, the cost of wireless capability is decreased, while the advantages (cutting-edge technology and speed) of incorporating the latest EV-DO technology are maintained. Downlink data speeds are up to 3.1 Mbps and GPS capabilities are also incorporated.

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 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.

(C) 2006 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Expedite, MobiLink, Ovation and Conversa 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, Inc.
Julie Cunningham, 858-320-8837 (Investor Relations)
ir@nvtl.com
or
Townsend Inc. (for Novatel Wireless, Inc.)
Liya Sharif, +1-858-457-4888
lsharif@townsendinc.com
Wanda Soler, +1-858-457-4888
wsoler@townsendinc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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