Novatel Wireless Licenses Device Dialer Software to Motorola; Motorola Introduces New Wireless Phone Accessory to Interface With Palm Powered Handheld Devices

Business Wire, Oct 26, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 26, 2001

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a provider of wireless data access solutions, today announced that it will license its device dialer software to Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) providing a comprehensive solution for adding wireless connectivity to Palm powered handheld devices. As a result of the agreement, Motorola will introduce an accessory solution consisting of Novatel Wireless' software and a data cable for Motorola's wireless phones that will enable seamless Internet and e-mail access through a Palm powered handheld device. The software will also enable access to the Palm address book for quick dialing to make a voice call.

The accessory, which includes Novatel Wireless' software and a data cable, will connect a Motorola phone to a Palm powered handheld device. Once attached, the phone will act as a modem and enhance consumers' ability to read e-mail or access information from the Internet by providing a substantially larger screen than a typical wireless phone.

The accessory kit, compatible with a variety of recently introduced Motorola wireless phones, is currently available in Asia and is expected to launch globally by the end of 2001.

"Motorola has responded to a need expressed by enterprises and business executives by providing mobile professionals with solutions that allow them to work more effectively when out of the office," said Ken Wasko, general manager of Companion Products and Accessories for Motorola's Personal Communications Sector. "Through its accessories, Motorola is identifying ways to enhance consumers' experience with wireless phones."

"Motorola and Novatel Wireless are committed to delivering new, innovative wireless services to our customers. The licensing of our device dialer software allows Motorola to use one software package with multiple wireless technologies," said Peter Leparulo, senior vice president, CDMA Operations for Novatel Wireless. "We are enthusiastic about our device dialer software and the future opportunities that licensing this product represents. This is another example of our commitment to broaden our depth of wireless data access solutions to software applications."

About Novatel Wireless' Device Dialer Software

Novatel Wireless' device dialer software is compatible across GSM, GPRS, CDMA, and TDMA wireless networks. The software allows an easy access point to launch an e-mail client or a web browser enabling seamless Internet and e-mail access via a cable connecting Palm powered handheld devices with a wireless phone. The software uses the devices address book to access phone numbers and allows quick dialing to make a voice call. The software is also being bundled with Novatel Wireless' Sabre sleeve.

About Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data modems and software for use with handheld computing devices and portable personal computers. The company delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions that enable businesses and consumers to access personal, corporate and public information through email, enterprise networks and the Internet. Novatel Wireless also offers wireless data modems and custom engineering services for hardware integration projects in a wide range of vertical applications. The Novatel Wireless product portfolio includes the Minstrel(R) Family of Wireless Handheld Modems, Merlin(TM) Family of Wireless PC Card Modems, Sage(R) Wireless Serial Modems, Lancer 3W(TM) Family of Ruggedized Modems and Expedite(TM) Family of Wireless Embedded Modems. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq:NVTL). For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888/888-9231.

About Motorola:

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. For more information, please visit the Motorola Web site at http://www.motorola.com.

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. 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. 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 and other regulatory agencies.

Note to Editors: The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, Merlin, Sabre, Sage, Lancer 3W and Expedite are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Minstrel and Sage are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.