US : Novatel Wireless and Verizon Wireless announced the availability of the V620 Wireless PC Card for use on Verizon Wireless' high-speed 3G Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network. With the V620 PC Card, Verizon Wireless customers can access BroadbandAccess, Verizon Wireless' premiere data service for business customers, powered by EV-DO technology - the fastest commercially available wide-area wireless network in the nation today. BroadbandAccess from Verizon Wireless is currently available in 32 major metropolitan markets across the United States, and the company plans to expand the network throughout 2005.

The V620 uses dual band EV-DO and 1xRTT technologies to give business customers access to both BroadbandAccess and NationalAccess, based on 1xRTT technology, for truly national data coverage. Because EV-DO technology is backward compatible, it is a cost effective and efficient solution for enterprise customers, business customers and mobile professionals. The V620 is the first PC Card from Verizon Wireless to include a built-in dual band diversity antenna to enhance performance by maximizing data throughput.

Included with the V620 Wireless PC Card is Verizon Wireless' VZAccess Manager software. After installing VZAccess Manager, Verizon Wireless customers simply plug the V620 into their laptops to receive access to the fastest commercially available wide-area high-speed wireless data service in the nation. BroadbandAccess gives Verizon Wireless customers typical download speeds of 300 - 500 kbps and bursts up to 2.4 Mbps, providing them with a wireless data experience similar to using high-speed wired connections at the office. Business customers are provided with a "wired LAN experience" while they are in the field, and are able to access data quickly and easily, increasing overall productivity by remaining connected to customers, partners and co-workers.

"The enhanced performance of the V620 provides an improved user experience and enables Verizon Wireless customers to have a competitive edge when it comes to wirelessly accessing data when they're in major cities or airports from coast to coast," said Cindy Patterson, vice president of enterprise data for Verizon Wireless. "With the fastest wide-area 3G network available, Verizon Wireless subscribers can not only access email and the Internet without the hassle of cables or finding a nearby hotspot, but they can also use the V620 to transfer files and access data saved on corporate networks."

"Novatel Wireless is pleased to be a key supplier of EV-DO PC Cards to Verizon Wireless," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This relationship enhances Novatel Wireless' North American market leadership by providing our next generation PC Card modem technology to mobile workers and consumers through market leaders like Verizon Wireless."

Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service is $79.99 for monthly access for unlimited use. The V620 is $99.99 after $100.00 mail in rebate and 2-year customer agreement and is available beginning January 17, 2005 through Verizon Wireless' Business sales channels. The companies expect to offer the PC Card through Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on January 24, 2005.