ASIA : Consumers and business professionals in Malaysia no longer have to worry about finding a 'hotspot' in order to connect wirelessly to the Internet. Novatel Wireless, Lucent Technologies and Maxis Communications Bhd today announced the availability of the Merlin U530(tm) Wireless PC Card Modem, branded the Maxis 3G Connect data card, for high-speed data access on Maxis's 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) network in Malaysia

Maxis subscribers will have access to data at speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second, by simply installing Novatel Wireless' MobiLink(tm) software and inserting the Maxis 3G Connect data card into a laptop. Jointly developed by Lucent and Novatel Wireless, the Maxis 3G Connect data card provides high-speed access to streaming video and audio, emails with large attachments and other corporate information stored behind firewalls. The Maxis 3G Connect data card is backward compatible to GPRS and GSM networks for added connectivity options.

"Often times, business travelers are stuck looking for a coffee shop or bookstore simply to send an email while out of the office," said Maxis' Head of 3G and Wireless Broadband, Dr. Nikolai Dobberstein. "With Maxis 3G Connect, we are able to provide our customers with convenient wireless connectivity. We are pleased to be the first provider of high-speed wireless PC Card Modems to Malaysian business subscribers and look forward to providing innovative 3G services in the future."

"Novatel Wireless PC data cards will deliver fast and affordable wireless broadband access to all Maxis customers within its 3G network," said John Leonard, vice president for strategy, business development and offer management with Lucent Technologies' Network Solutions Group. "Having access to corporate networks while out of the office provides a level of convenience that Wi-Fi can't match, allowing true mobility for remote workers. We look forward to collaborating with Novatel Wireless and Maxis to help roll out 3G services across Malaysia."

"It's essential that business users are able to access enterprise applications and stay in touch with clients while away from the office, ultimately providing companies with a critical competitive advantage," said Rob Hadley, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at Novatel Wireless. "As the leader in UMTS PC Card Modem development, we are committed to providing high-speed data access to all countries across the globe. By collaborating with Maxis and Lucent, we are one step closer to making this a reality."

Novatel Wireless and Lucent Technologies are the global leaders in UMTS PC Card sales with Merlin UMTS PC Cards available from 15 operators in 18 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America.

ABOUT MAXIS COMMUNICATIONS BERHAD
Maxis, Malaysia's premier telecommunications company and market leader with 41% share, provides high quality voice and data services to more than 6 million customers. Its mobile postpaid and prepaid services are offered under the maxis and Hotlink brands respectively. The company has achieved its leading position through a clear strategy of developing premium brands, providing quality network and customer services and introducing innovative services and products. In support of its mobile business, Maxis also operates an international portal as well as a domestic fixed line network, which offers voice and data services to business customers. Its broadband infrastructure includes wireless, fibre optic, microwave and VSAT technologies. For more information on Maxis, please visit our corporate Web site at http://www.maxis.com.my/.