NetComm selects Sierra Wireless 4G LTE embedded modules for new residential WiFi router

International network technology provider chooses Sierra Wireless AirPrime embedded wireless modules to provide 4G LTE connectivity in new small office/home office routers

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today announced that NetComm Limited, a leading international manufacturer of data communication solutions for small business and home users, has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ MC7750 and MC7710 intelligent embedded modules to provide 4G cellular network connectivity for its new NetComm Liberty™ Series LTE WiFi Router.

By providing cellular network connectivity of up to 100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, NetComm's Liberty Series routers will provide consumers with broadband connection speeds comparable to—or even surpassing—high-speed cable and ADSL wired broadband. In the future, these NetComm LTE WiFi routers could help mobile network operators in Europe and North America expand into new markets, offering bundled voice and data packages comparable to those currently offered by wired network operators.

Overcoming 4G LTE engineering challenges

Emerging 4G LTE networks hold the potential to revolutionize the consumer broadband market, providing high-speed, low-latency Internet connections comparable to or better than current cable and ADSL connections without wires. Making this vision a reality, however, remains a challenging proposition for device manufacturers like NetComm due to the unique challenges of LTE technologies, including power consumption, thermal management, and antenna design and placement. In addition, since most network operators are still in the early stages of building out large-scale LTE networks, any viable LTE device must also provide multi-mode capabilities to connect with previous-generation 2G and 3G networks where 4G LTE service is unavailable.

Drawing on extensive expertise in global 3G and 4G network technologies, Sierra Wireless is providing 4G LTE embedded module solutions that address all of these challenges. Both the AirPrime MC7750 and MC7710 embedded modules are multi-mode solutions, providing built-in support for multiple 4G, 3G, and 2G data networks across multiple frequency bands. The multi-mode capability and common form factor of the AirPrime modules simplify the design and engineering process for NetComm, allowing the manufacturer to address virtually any market, anywhere in the world, with a single router design.

"For our end customers, it means they can take their broadband connections with them wherever they go—on vacation, on the road, anywhere their cellular carrier has coverage," said David Stewart, Managing Director, NetComm Limited.

Accelerating integration and time to market

NetComm has also worked with Sierra Wireless professional services teams throughout the development and certification stages of the Liberty Series router. Drawing on its extensive relationships with network operators, Sierra Wireless can provide NetComm with LTE modules that are pre-certified for the many 3G and 4G networks around the world in which they will operate.

"We are pleased to continue our collaboration with NetComm, bringing 4G LTE connectivity to the Liberty Series router," said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President and General Manager, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. "The NetComm Liberty Series LTE WiFi Router provides a solid solution for people living or working in areas not serviced by ADSL, cable or fibre - even those who rely on high-bandwidth applications."

For more information about Sierra Wireless embedded modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/airprime. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email [email protected].

About NetComm Limited

NetComm Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer and manufacturer of broadband technology. With 27 years experience, NetComm develops a wide range of broadband products to facilitate worldwide networks. Its products are uniquely customized for each carrier requirement and designed to deliver reliable communications for consumer, business and industrial applications. With particular expertise in 3G/HSPA technologies, NetComm engineer world first 3G products that support evolving networks and deliver quality data communication products.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market.  For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com. 

"AirPrime" and "Open AT" are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors:

To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/newsroom/productimages.aspx.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.