Novatel Wireless updates EV-DO Rev A PC card

March 27, 2006

Novatel Wireless announced the development of the Merlin 720 EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) Rev A (Revision A) PC Card for next-generation broadband wireless services. After making live EV-DO Rev A data calls several weeks ago, the company has delivered working pre-commercial units to leading operators to support future global CDMA network upgrades.

Novatel Wireless' second generation EV-DO PC Card will enable downlink speeds up to 3.1Mbps (Megabits per second) and uplink up to 1.8Mbps. This is approximately eleven times faster uplink than the currently deployed EV-DO networks. CDMA Revision A technology also incorporates quality of service controls to manage latency on the network. With the Merlin 720, operators will be able to introduce advanced multimedia data services, including data and broadcast over all IP networks. Commercial shipments of the Merlin 720 are currently expected to begin in the third quarter of 2006.

"Our delivery of pre-commercial Merlin 720 PC Cards ahead of schedule demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in our core PC Card market, while simultaneously diversifying into additional markets," said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "We look forward to even further expanding our position as the market leader in EV-DO PC Cards in North America as we migrate to Rev A with the Merlin 720."