Next Generation Novatel Wireless MC996D HSPA+ High-Speed USB Data Modem Now Available Through Telefonica

MADRID and SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Telefonica and Novatel Wireless, Inc., (Nasdaq: NVTL) a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced the launch of the Ovation MC996D High-Speed USB Data Modem, an HSPA+ Mobile Broadband device.

HSPA+ is the next evolution of high-speed packet access (HSPA) wireless broadband technology with greater capacity for data throughput compared to standard 3G networks. With peak data speeds of up to 21.6 Mbps on the downlink and 5.76 Mbps on the uplink, the MC996D delivers unprecedented performance with upload and downlink speeds of up to three times those of current HSPA mobile broadband devices.

"The launch of the MC996D will help meet the growing demand for innovative high-speed mobile data solutions in Spain," Carlos Vera, director of Business Marketing, Telefonica Espana. "With the introduction of the MC996D, Telefonica Espana is expanding its portfolio of mobile connectivity products, to provide our customers with a wide range of broadband solutions to meet their needs."

The MC996D supports the 900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands and is designed to provide connectivity virtually anywhere in the world, allowing users to check email, download rich multimedia content and remain connected to family and coworkers. The MC996D offers unprecedented speed with a sleek design and form factor. Featuring an auto install connection manager, multi-color LED service indicator light and removable memory storage up to 32GB via MicroSD/SDHC, the MC996D is the ultimate 2-in-1 USB modem and storage device.

"Telefonica's newly introduced HSPA+ Network is the ideal platform to support Novatel's next generation mobile data devices such as the MC996D," said Rob Hadley, CMO, Novatel Wireless. "Novatel is dedicated to developing the latest emerging technologies to support the ongoing growth and evolution of wireless broadband technology. We are very pleased to work with Telefonica to provide our combined customers with the world's most advanced mobile broadband solutions."

The Ovation MC996D is commercially available through a variety of Telefonica's direct and business sales channels. The customers can purchase this modem for only euro 49, when employing the Tarifa Plana Maxi. This rate is aimed at professionals who make heavy use of mobile data and require maximum network speed. Moreover, during the first three months of access users will have a 50% discount on the monthly fee.

ABOUT TELEFONICA

Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalisation. Its activities are centered mainly on the fixed and mobile telephony businesses with broadband as the key tool for the development of both.

The company has a significant presence in 25 countries and a customer base that amounts to  268 million accesses around the world. Telefonica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy.

Telefonica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. Its share capital currently comprises 4,704,996,485 ordinary shares traded on the Spanish Stock Market (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia) and on those in London, Tokyo, New York, Lima, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo.

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) 2009 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.

SOURCE Novatel Wireless, Inc.