New Sierra Wireless AirCard® USB modems for 4G networks are fast, good-looking, and flexible

With 4G speeds and user-friendly design, the AirCard 319U and AirCard 320U offer the right mix of form, function and features to please

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today introduced the AirCard® 319U and the AirCard 320U, the two newest 4G USB modems in its AirCard product line.

The AirCard 319U USB modem is the newest product in its lineup for Dual-Carrier HSPA+ networks. Scheduled to launch on the TELUS network in Canada in March, the AirCard 319U USB offers download speeds of up to 42 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps. It also features an innovative swivel hinge design that allows the body of the modem to be tucked up against the side of the notebook and protects it from being damaged by accidental bumps, for easier and safer use in tight spaces like commuter trains and crowded cafes.

The AirCard 320U is Sierra Wireless' first in a family of USB modems for LTE networks, offering download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. Its design, which is based on the AirCard 312U USB modem that launched in August 2010 for DC-HSPA+ networks, is thinner and more user-friendly than competitive LTE products currently available, with an articulating and pivoting hinge that works with the widest possible variety of USB port placements.  AirCard USB modems for LTE networks are scheduled for commercial availability in the second quarter of this year.

"In recent years, we have seen people become more discerning and sophisticated about their electronics purchases, and buyers of mobile broadband modems are no exception," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "The Sierra Wireless AirCard 319U and AirCard 320U are designed to please, both in functionality and style. They're fast, of course, but they have also been designed to look good and work well on the move, where sometimes all you have is five minutes and a spot on a diner counter to download that presentation or consult with your kids on their homework."

The new AirCard USB modems for 4G networks provide a truly mobile lifestyle for customers, allowing them to use their notebook computers online from anywhere they have a cell signal, with performance rivaling and often even surpassing what they can get on their home broadband connections. LTE and DC-HSPA+ network technologies are the fastest cellular network technologies currently available, providing a great user experience with better network performance than ever before.

In areas where a DC-HSPA+ network is not available, the AirCard 319U seamlessly switches to earlier network technology standards, including HSPA+ and its precursors, UMTS, EDGE, GSM, and GPRS. In addition to LTE, the AirCard 320U supports DC-HSPA+, earlier versions of HSPA+ and its predecessors, UMTS, GSM, and GPRS.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 319U and AirCard 320U USB modems are simple to set up and use - with built-in support for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems and automatic software installation directly from the device, users can be up and running in minutes. The included Sierra Wireless AirCard Watcher™ software optimizes browser performance and provides a dashboard that allows users to monitor connection status and signal strength. 

Sierra Wireless AirCard Devices

Sierra Wireless designs and builds AirCard devices with the end customer in mind. Customers who select Sierra Wireless benefit from:

• Ease of Use - Connect faster, in fewer steps, with intuitive software that installs directly from the device itself.
• Consistent, Reliable Performance - What good is access on-the-go if it's not working when you need it? Sierra Wireless AirCard mobile broadband devices regularly win accolades for speed, consistent connectivity and performance.
• Durability - Life on the road is tough. Sierra Wireless AirCard mobile broadband devices are designed and tested to ensure they exceed industry specifications for tolerance of extreme temperatures, drops, shocks and vibration.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard 319U and AirCard 320U USB modems, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/productsandservices/AirCard/USBModems.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email [email protected].

Sierra Wireless is showcasing new products for 4G networks at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 14 to 17. Visit us on the Avenue at AV-36.

Note to editors: 

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

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.

"AirCard" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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.