Novatel Wireless Granted FCC Regulatory Approval for 3G 1900 MHz UMTS Wireless PC Card Modem for North America

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulatory approval of the Merlin U520(TM) Wireless PC Card Modem based on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technology. The Merlin U520(TM), jointly developed with Lucent Technologies, will enable customers on 1900 MHz band 3G UMTS (also known as W-CDMA) networks in North America to access email, the Internet and corporate Intranets at speeds of up to 384 kbps. The Merlin U520(TM) will be used for 3G UMTS network trials by Cingular Wireless in the Atlanta market.

"We are aggressively expanding our product offerings by being first to market with the highest performing broadband access solutions," said Peter Leparulo, CEO for Novatel Wireless. "We have launched our Merlin U530 UMTS wireless PC Card with 6 operators in 8 countries on 3G UMTS networks across Europe and Asia Pacific. We believe that achieving FCC approval in North America for the Merlin U520 is a crucial milestone in achieving the same success in conjunction with UMTS deployments in North America."

By inserting the Merlin U520 into a laptop computer and installing the accompanying modem manager software, subscribers on 3G UMTS networks in North America will be able to stream audio and video content, send and receive email, browse the Internet, and download large attachments such as photos, presentations, and spreadsheets at speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second. Compatible with virtual private networks (VPN), the Merlin U520 enables secure wireless access to important corporate applications and files stored behind firewalls. The combined solution allows business professionals to access crucial information, stay in touch with clients and remain productive while away from the office, ultimately providing them with a critical competitive advantage.

The FCC is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress, and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. possessions.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions. Novatel Wireless' MerlinTM PC Cards, ExpediteTM Embedded Modems, and Freedom Box(TM) Ruggedized Modems enable high-speed wireless access to personal, corporate and public information via portable computers, handheld devices and vertical market applications. The company delivers innovative 2.5G and 3G solutions to operators, distributors and vertical markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL.

(C) 2004 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless logo, Merlin, Merlin U520, Merlin U530, Expedite and Freedom Box are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless' products and dependence on intellectual property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.


Contacts:
Kim Haneke
Novatel Wireless
(858) 812-0621
khaneke@novatelwireless.com

Chris Danne or Rakesh Mehta
The Blueshirt Group Investor Relations
(415) 217-7722
chris or rakesh@blueshirtgroup.com

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