[The Merlin XU870 ExpressCard from Novatel is the first ExpressCard solution incorporating HSDPA technology offering connection speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.]

San Diego -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. today announced it has received compliance approval for its Merlin(TM) XU870 HSDPA ExpressCard from PCMCIA, GCF, and a wide range of North American and European operators.

Both PTCRB and GCF have developed relationships with network operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to make certain that regulatory compliance is achieved in wireless products. This compliance assures global interoperability of mobile wireless devices and seamless roaming services to customers.

The Merlin XU870 ExpressCard is currently being sold through NexAira, (www.nexaira.com), a strategic solutions provider of wireless data applications, for customers in North America. In addition, several OEM manufacturers are expected to make the XU870 ExpressCard available toward the end of 2006 or beginning of 2007.

About the Merlin XU870 HSDPA ExpressCard

The Merlin XU870 ExpressCard is the first ExpressCard solution available on the market that incorporates HSDPA technology (as well as Tri-band HSDPA/UMTS and Quad-band EDGE/GPRS technology) offering connection speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps (megabits per second) with firmware upgrade and operator network capability.

There are over 200 models of notebooks currently shipping that are equipped with ExpressCard slots. The Merlin XU870 comes with the necessary drivers supporting Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS 10, Mac OS X and Linux enabling users to take advantage of the size and speed of this new product.

The Merlin XU870 is designed to the ExpressCard/34 form factor; however, it will also fit an ExpressCard/54 slot. It offers a durable, flip-up antenna, optional external antenna connection, and Mobile Receive Equalizer (which minimizes radio signals). The MobiLink(TM) Connection Manager is an easy-to-use user interface, available in 18 languages and intuitively guides the user through set-up and utilization.

Novatel Wireless has also provided an optional ExpressCard/34 to PC Card Universal Adapter to its customers. This adapter gives users the ability to use the new smaller, more compact wireless ExpressCard in notebooks equipped with the larger PCMCIA PC Card slots. The adapter supports all 32-bit PC Card Standards - CardBay, CardBus and PCMCIA Standards Release 5.0 forward.

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