Wireless Modems to Support High-Speed Data Services on 3G UMTS Networks

Novatel Wireless and Lucent Technologies announced a joint development agreement to create next-generation, high-speed wireless data products designed to allow mobile users to access the internet and corporate networks over the 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. Under the terms of the agreement, Novatel Wireless will develop multi-mode, multi-band UMTS/GPRS wireless PC card modems, while Lucent will contribute research, development and marketing support.

The agreement is an important step in Lucent's strategy to accelerate the introduction of third-generation (3G) high-speed data solutions for mobile operators and also underscores the company's leadership and focus on spread-spectrum technologies such as UMTS and CDMA2000.

"Lucent has done substantial market research, and we see significant pent-up demand for high-speed mobile data solutions, particularly in the enterprise market segment," said John Marinho, vice president of offer management, Lucent Mobility Solutions Group. "This agreement with Novatel Wireless is an important step in our effort to help UMTS operators introduce exciting new data services to business users worldwide."

The new wireless modem cards from Novatel Wireless complement Lucent's recently introduced portfolio of end-to-end solutions that will allow business customers to access essential applications -- such as e-mail, company databases and internal Web applications -- behind firewalls via 3G wireless networks. These solutions will enable mobile professionals to use their laptop PCs or PDAs to access their corporate networks, and all the applications they normally use, with the same level of security and usability they typically enjoy in their office.

"Our aim is to promote the rapid adoption of mobile high-speed data solutions worldwide," said John Major, chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless. "This agreement allows us to speed up the development of next generation products while also enabling carriers throughout the world to quickly introduce advanced data services using Lucent and Novatel Wireless technology."