NETGEAR chooses Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ 4G embedded wireless modules for mobile broadband routers

Global networking device manufacturer uses Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded wireless modules to provide high-speed connectivity to 4G networks

ORLANDO, FL, March 22 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced that NETGEAR^® (NASDAQ GM: NTGR), an international leader in networking solutions for businesses and consumers, has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded wireless modules to provide high-speed connectivity for a new series of mobile broadband routers that are specifically designed to take advantage of 4G LTE and Dual-Carrier HSPA+ networks.

Using Sierra Wireless AirPrime modules for cellular connectivity, the NETGEAR mobile routers can support connection speeds comparable to, or better than, today's wired broadband networks, offering LTE speeds up to 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps upstream, or DC-HSPA+ speeds up to 42 Mbps downstream and 5.76 Mbps upstream. Operating on a 4G network, the routers will allow home office, small or medium business, and enterprise customers to enjoy greatly expanded high-speed Internet access and unprecedented mobile broadband performance from remote and mobile locations.

"4G networks enable new mobile networked applications and extend the reach of broadband Internet beyond the limitations of wired broadband connectivity," said Michael Clegg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Service Provider Business for NETGEAR. "As a leader and innovator in cellular technology, Sierra Wireless is helping us deliver the full advantage of 4G LTE to our customers."

"NETGEAR is already regarded as an important innovator in business and consumer networking solutions," said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. "4G LTE in NETGEAR's mobile broadband router portfolio enables powerful new applications and expands broadband access to customers on the move or outside wired broadband territory."

Building robust 4G solutions

Working with high-bandwidth wireless technologies like LTE and DC-HSPA+ presents a unique set of challenges for wireless developers. Power consumption, thermal management, antenna design and placement—all require a new perspective to accommodate the exacting requirements of high-speed services. Since 4G networks are still evolving, any practical 4G device must also support multi-mode functionality to connect with 2G and 3G networks in areas where no 4G service is available.

As a proven leader in delivering the first devices for new 3G and 4G cellular technologies to market, Sierra Wireless offers a portfolio of 4G solutions that addresses all of these requirements.

Working with Sierra Wireless, NETGEAR is developing 4G mobile broadband routers that can provide an outstanding experience to end customers no matter where they may be connecting to the mobile network. Sierra Wireless professional services teams are also working with NETGEAR throughout the development and certification process for the 4G mobile routers, allowing NETGEAR to reduce the time and effort required to certify and deliver their products to market.

Sierra Wireless is featuring mobile broadband solutions in the Sierra Wireless booth (1670) at CTIA Wireless, which begins today and runs through March 24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

For more information about Sierra Wireless embedded modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/airprime. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email [email protected].

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market.  For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

"AirPrime" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.