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Novatel's Ovation MC545 modem suggests extremely fast things come in small packages

The next (and most likely last) step in extending the lifespan of 3G data is dual-carrier HSPA, a technology not unlike using two modems at the same time to effectively double the width of the pipe. Novatel's got a new dual-carrier-capable USB stick out that it claims to be the world's smallest -- and it's launching as a Movistar exclusive in Spain initially where the company demonstrated speeds this week topping out at a face-melting 40.5Mbps downstream. Who needs 4G when you're getting those kinds of numbers? After its tour of Spain, the Ovation MC545 will launch with other carriers around the world, though with just 900, 1900, and 2100MHz 3G support onboard, we wouldn't expect to see it grace North America -- at least, not without a radio swap back at the factory. Follow the break for Novatel's full press release.



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Novatel Wireless Launches Industry's Smallest Dual-Carrier HSPA+ USB Device

Telefonica Moviles Demonstrates the Fastest Download Speed on Commercial Dual-Carrier HSPA+ Network with Novatel Wireless' Ovation MC545

SAN DIEGO, Sept 21, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced the continued evolution of its USB product line with the launch of the Ovation(TM) MC545 to support operators rolling out Dual-Carrier HSPA+ (DC- HSPA+) networks with mobile broadband devices. At a press event in Madrid today, Telefonica Moviles launched the Ovation MC545 and showcased over-the-air download speed of 40.5 megabits per second (Mbps) supported by Ericsson's DC-HSPA+ network infrastructure.

Continuing Novatel Wireless' design legacy with a focus on functionality, reliability, leading edge technology and innovative sleek style, the Ovation MC545 modem is today the world's most compact and light-weight DC-HSPA+ USB modem in the market place.

"With our relentless commitment to ensure our customers' needs are met on schedule, we are very honored to support Telefonica Moviles with their DC-HSPA+ launch," said Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. "In our development efforts, we emphasize providing the best mobile broadband experience and ease-of-use for consumers and we're excited to be launching this first device as a part of a broader next-generation portfolio rolling out during the next two quarters."

"We're thrilled to be the first to offer our customers the fastest and most reliable mobile broadband in the most compact form factor," said Carlos Vera Sanchez, Business Marketing Director of Telefonica Espana. DC-HSPA+ technology offers consumers more advanced data capabilities with faster speed. The Ovation MC545 brings this technology to the consumers and will allow for new mobile broadband services supporting more compelling multimedia applications and richer user experiences."

The Ovation MC545 is based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. DC-HSPA+ supports theoretical peak downlink data rates of up to 42 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps on the uplink, allowing carriers to easily upgrade their existing infrastructure equipment to achieve significantly higher bandwidths.

"HSPA Evolution with the dual-carrier technology significantly increases the speed of current HSPA networks and increases network capacity to allow for an even better mobile broadband experience than with today's HSPA networks," said Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson. "The launch of the first dual-carrier HSPA Evolution network in Spain by Telefonica Moviles is an important milestone. Ericsson's infrastructure solution gives consumers in Spain the fastest level, most advanced mobile broadband experience in the country today."

The Ovation MC545 supports the 900,1900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands and is designed to provide connectivity virtually anywhere to check email, download rich multimedia content and stay connected to family, friends and coworkers. The Ovation MC545 offers unprecedented speed and advanced antenna technologies to maximize data throughput and operating range. Featuring Novatel Wireless' MobiLink 3 auto install connection manager, memory storage of up to 32GB via MicroSDHC and backward compatibility with HSPA technologies, the Ovation MC545 provides a total solution for ultra fast mobile broadband connectivity.