Novatel Wireless, Spirent Communications and AT4 Collaborate to Advance Next Phase of LTE Device Testing

SAN DIEGO and SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novatel Wireless (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that it has successfully interoperated with and will be utilizing the Spirent 8100 LTE RF Performance test solution, to test all aspects of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G devices prior to launch.  The Spirent 8100 incorporate the market leading LTE Network Emulator which has been developed in collaboration with AT4 wireless, a wireless testing service and test solutions company.

Built on cutting-edge technologies from Spirent Communications and AT4 wireless, the Spirent 8100 LTE RF Performance test solution delivers a unique multi-technology, multi-cell capability that enables all aspects of LTE multi-mode (LTE with CDMA/EV-DO and/or UMTS) device performance to be fully tested in the lab prior to commercial launch helping to assure high levels of device performance as well as streamlined carrier device accreditation cycles. LTE provides high data rates of up to 50 Mbps on the uplink and 100 Mbps on the downlink, while offering an enhanced user experience by leveraging new, wider bandwidth spectrum.  Many operators are already planning to overlay LTE on their 3G networks to augment data capacity. Novatel Wireless is working with operators and plans to launch commercial data devices in late 2010.

"It is critical that LTE-capable devices integrate effortlessly with legacy networks, as user satisfaction with device performance will play an important role in the future success of LTE deployments," said Nigel Wright, vice president of marketing, Spirent Communications. "We look forward to working with Novatel Wireless to help ensure market-leading performance of their LTE devices."

"As a global supplier of testing solutions for wireless technologies, AT4 prides itself on being both the most complete wireless certification and testing laboratory in the world and a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge test and measurement equipment for telecommunication technologies," said Alejandro Torrecilla, business development manager, AT4 wireless. "Working with Novatel Wireless and Spirent allows us to apply our technology to a broader range of markets beyond just device conformance testing, while supporting the continued evolution of advanced wireless technologies."

"Thoroughly validating LTE multi-mode device performance through comprehensive testing prior to launch enables us to offer innovative 4G wireless data products to our customers with the fastest possible time to market," said Rob Hadley, CMO, Novatel Wireless. "Leveraging Spirent's strengths in device performance testing and AT4 wireless' vast experience in conformance testing ensures that our next generation LTE devices perform well and work seamlessly with legacy networks."

ABOUT AT4 WIRELESS

AT4 wireless, a global supplier of Testing Solutions for wireless technologies prides itself on being both the most complete Wireless Certification & Testing Laboratory in the world and a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge test & measurement equipment for telecommunication technologies. With the largest coverage in different technologies (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA, LTE, WiMAX™, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, RFID, NFC and EPC) and a portfolio that ranges from conformance, regulatory and interoperability testing to world-wide compliance services, AT4 wireless' Test Laboratory offers a one-stop-shop approach for the certification of telecommunication devices. AT4 wireless was founded in 1991, has more than 340 employees and operates from its headquarters in Malaga, Spain and its US-based branch in Herndon, Virginia. For more information, visit www.at4wireless.com.

ABOUT SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC

Spirent Communications plc. (LSE: SPT), a global leader in test & measurement, inspires innovation within development labs, networks and IT organizations to enable customers to deploy communications networks, services & applications, and devices that enrich life. Our extensive portfolio of solutions test data centers, high speed Ethernet networks and services, 3G/4G wireless networks and devices, network security, and global navigation satellite systems. With solutions used by more than 1,700 customers in 30 countries, the world's largest equipment manufacturers, service providers, enterprise and governments rely daily on Spirent to help ensure their success. Based in Sunnyvale, CA, Spirent Communications has 1,300 employees worldwide. For more information visit http://www.spirent.com/planet-spirent/media_room/about_spirent_communications_plc.aspx

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G and 4G technologies. Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems and embedded modules enable high-speed wireless Internet access on leading wireless data networks.  The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide.  Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed onNASDAQ: NVTL.  For more information please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)

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, new product introductions, 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.

(C) 2010 Novatel Wireless.  All rights reserved.  The Novatel Wireless name and logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Novatel Wireless