[The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 is available via the Cingular web site for $99.99 while the Merlin U730 from Novatel Wireless is "coming soon." Both require a two-year, unlimited Data Connect plan currently $59.99 a month through the end of December - on top of a two-year voice plan of $39.99 or above.]

Sierra Wireless AirCard 860:

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 3G wireless wide area network (WWAN) card for HSDPA networks is now available through Cingular for use on the company's new HSDPA network.

The AirCard 860 wireless WAN card is a Type II PC Card with a slim, unextended design, allowing users to conveniently store the unit inside the laptop. Fully functional on HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS networks, the AirCard 860 utilizes the 850 and 1900 MHz UMTS frequency bands and offers average data rates of 400 to 700 kbps, with bursts over 1 Mbps on Cingular's HSDPA network*.

In areas where HSDPA or UMTS network coverage is not available, the AirCard 860 will connect to Cingular's nationwide EDGE and GSM/GPRS network, which provides average data rates of 75 to 135 kbps. Ideal for frequent travelers, the AirCard 860 enables international roaming on all four EDGE and GPRS frequency bands (850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz) used worldwide.

Pricing and Availability

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 is available for purchase at Cingular stores, authorized agents, and through enterprise sales channels at costs as low as $99.99 based upon a two year, unlimited Data Connect plan. Cingular's unlimited use Data Connect rate plan is on special offer for $59.99 for qualified customers through December 31, 2005**.

* Subject to network conditions. ** Requires two-year contract and Cingular voice plan of $39.99 or above.

MERLIN U730:

The Merlin U730 gives Cingular Wireless customers data access to the first commercial HSDPA network in America. Due to the Merlin U730's backward compatibility, the card works not only on Cingular's newly launched HSDPA network but also on Cingular's nationwide Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) network, and in more than 90 countries where Cingular has EDGE and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) roaming agreements.

Pricing and Availability

The Novatel Wireless Merlin U730 is available from Cingular for as low as $99.99 based on a two-year, unlimited Data Connect plan. Cingular's unlimited use Data Connect rate plan is on special offer for $59.99 for qualified customers through December 31, 2005(a).

(a) Requires two-year contract and Cingular voice plan of $39.99 or above.

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