Industry's First EV-DO PC Card Approval For Network Driver Interface

US : Novatel Wireless announced that its Merlin V620 EV-DO wireless PC Card Modem has passed the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certification for a Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS). As the first EV-DO Card to offer a network interface, the Merlin V620 now provides users with an easier and more convenient high-speed connectivity experience.

Network adapters provide an automatic, instantaneous connection once a computer is loaded, removing any need for manual set-up. In addition, network interfaces leverage an intelligent power consumption configuration, enabling the device to go into standby mode when the computer is not being used and drawing only minimal power. Once a computer is in sleep or suspended mode, Novatel Wireless' Merlin V620 automatically re-establishes any data connections left open, saving time and computing resources while providing true, 'always on' connectivity.

"Following our approval with WHQL, Novatel Wireless offers the most advanced and convenient EV-DO Card on the market, continuing the company's leadership in wireless PC Card Modem development," said Slim Souissi, chief technology officer at Novatel Wireless. "The only EV-DO Data Card equipped with a network adapter interface means the Merlin V620 can deliver real-time access to information on data transfer speeds, connection status, signal strength and more without interrupting the flow of data traffic. The capabilities provided by a network interface far outweigh the competition's slower, less sophisticated EV-DO dial-up adapters."

WHQL is a Microsoft standards body that produces and supports the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility Test Kit for current Microsoft operating systems. Products are tested with the kit to ensure that they meet Microsoft standards for compatibility with Windows and to qualify to use the 'Designed for Microsoft Windows' logo.

Using dual-band EV-DO and 1xRTT technologies, the Merlin V620 offers typical download speeds of 400 - 700 Kbps and bursts up to 2.4 Mbps, providing users with a wireless data experience similar to using high-speed wired connections at the office. By inserting the PC Card into a laptop, subscribers have access to email, the Internet and corporate databases so they can stay productive while working remotely. For further information on Novatel Wireless' Merlin V620, please visit www.novatelwireless.com.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards, Expedite(TM) Embedded Modems, Freedom Box(TM) Ruggedized Modems, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) 3G Multimedia Application Consoles and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access to personal, corporate and public information. 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.