Lucent and Novatel Wireless to supply TIM with 3G UMTS PC cards

February 23, 2004

Lucent Technologies and Novatel Wireless announced that they will provide Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) with their jointly developed 3G UMTS PC modem cards.

These cards will enable TIM to offer enhanced high-speed mobile data services on the operator's 3G UMTS network in Italy, and also support connections on existing GPRS infrastructure. Targeted primarily at enterprise users, these cards will enable high-quality data connections, mobile access to e-mail with large attachments -- and other information stored behind corporate firewalls -- at data transmission speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second.

In addition to the Merlin U530 cards, Lucent and Novatel Wireless will supply TIM with the system software and services needed to support the commercial rollout of service to TIM's customers. Lucent Worldwide Services also will be providing installation and maintenance support for the commercial roll out.

By plugging the PC cards into a laptop and installing the necessary client software, end-users will be able to access TIM's UMTS network.

"Enterprises involved in the trials have said this technology increases employee productivity outside of the office and face-to-face time with customers," said David Poticny, president, Lucent Technologies Europe.

Lucent and Novatel Wireless are demonstrating 3G UMTS services using the Merlin U530 cards and Lucent's end-to-end UMTS infrastructure in Lucent's booth (Booth A16, Hall 1) at the 3GSM World Congress 2004, taking place from Feb. 23 - 26 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.