Virgin Mobile Canada Launches Novatel Wireless MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot 2372 and MC998D USB Modem

SAN DIEGO and TORONTO, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL), a provider of wireless broadband access solutions, and Virgin Mobile Canada, announced the launch of the Novatel Wireless MiFi™ Intelligent Mobile Hotspot 2372 and Ovation™ MC998D Wireless Broadband USB modem on Virgin Mobile Canada's HSPA network.

The Novatel Wireless MiFi 2372 represents the industry's first Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, a new category of mobile broadband that lets users put their world of content, services and connectivity in their pocket. The MiFi platform includes a microSD slot for expandable memory of up to 16 gigabytes and supports up to five simultaneous users or mobile Internet devices, located within 30 feet of the unit.

The Ovation MC998D Wireless Broadband USB modem is an HSPA+ device that works on 850, 1900 and 2100MHz HSPA+/UMTS bands and Quad Band GPRS/EDGE providing download speeds of up to 28.8 Mbps. Featuring multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and diversity antenna technologies, autoinstalling software for Windows and Mac, and integrated microSD storage, the MC998D provides flexibility and ultra fast connectivity virtually anywhere in the world.

"Virgin Mobile's customers are constantly on the move and want to be able to connect online wherever they are.  These new additions to our line-up make it easy for them to stay connected to all of their social networks - with photos, messaging, music and more - while on the go," said Robert Blumenthal, President, Virgin Mobile Canada. "We are excited to partner with Novatel Wireless to provide our customers a simple, fast and convenient way to hook up online using either one of these mobile broadband products on Canada's largest high-speed network."

"Demand for cutting edge mobile connectivity for both business and casual use continues to grow on a global scale," said Rob Hadley, CMO, Novatel Wireless. "Partnering with Virgin Mobile Canada will enable us to provide streamlined, ultra high-speed wireless Internet solutions for our combined customers across Canada."

Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, the MiFi 2372 delivers download speeds up to 7.2 megabits per second with enhanced performance for simultaneous uploads/downloads and large file transfers. The MiFi 2372 also offers optimized functionality for video streaming and online gaming.

For more info, visit www.virginmobile.ca.

About Virgin Mobile Canada

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 13.8 million customers worldwide. As the No.1 mobile youth network, Virgin Mobile Canada's mission is to be Canada's most loved mobile company with the hottest phones and plans on the hottest network. Its plans with extra for no extra make it easy for members to find the perfect plan for them to connect to e-mail, social networks, texting and GPS navigation with the smartest phones and mobile Internet products. Virgin Mobile members also get access to the hottest events, global roaming and the best customer service. J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study has awarded Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Prepaid Wireless Service, Five Years in a Row"(1) and it has ranked Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Postpaid Wireless Service"(2). 91% of customers would also recommend Virgin Mobile to a friend.  

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations nationally including The Source, Virgin Mobile retail locations and additional retails partners. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased at The Source locations, online at www.virginmobile.ca or by calling 1-888-999-2321. Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/virginmobilecan and Twitter at twitter.com/virginmobilecan.

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 wireless 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, logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc.  Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

1. J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction StudiesSM. Study based on 15,207 total responses from consumers with prepaid wireless service, measuring 5 wireless service providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009. www.jdpower.com
2. J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction StudiesSM. Study based on 15,207 total responses from consumers with postpaid wireless service, measuring 9 wireless service providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009. www.jdpower.com

SOURCE Novatel Wireless, Inc.