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Verizon's new 4G LTE router has a landline jack, offers a peek at the future of online

Ben Gilbert
Senior Editor
Updated ·4 min read
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Verizon has a new 4G LTE home internet router that includes voice, and it's meant to replace your home phone line and cable internet subscriptions in one fell swoop. The "Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice" (rolls right off the tongue!) packs in WiFi connectivity as well as three Ethernet ports and a phone line jack for your landline. Up to 10 devices can connect to it wirelessly, though we wouldn't suggest as much given the LTE connectivity.

Should you choose to pick one up ($50 w/ two-year plan or $200 outright), there are a few options for subscription: data only, voice and data, or just voice. Initially, if you snag that voice-and-data plan, the router itself is actually free -- and it's available starting today. Of course, as CNET points out, Verizon's "Share Everything" data plans come with limitations (notably, data caps) and that means you'd better be a pretty light internet user (or employing the service for a brief period, like a vacation). Interestingly, Novatel Wireless -- the company behind Verizon's new LTE router hardware -- is also offering its own, non-carrier-branded version of the same device, dubbed, "MiFi Home." The price and release date for MiFi Home varies from carrier to carrier -- a Novatel Wireless rep tells Engadget, "MiFi Home is offered through our carrier partners and distribution so pricing is set by our carrier partners."

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Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice by Novatel Wireless Launches Today
September 25, 2013 09:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL), a leading provider of intelligent wireless solutions, today announces that the Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice by Novatel Wireless launched earlier today and is available online and through Verizon's stores nationwide.

"We are thrilled to roll out our first 4G LTE converged voice and data solution for in-home and small office connectivity with Verizon"

"We are thrilled to roll out our first 4G LTE converged voice and data solution for in-home and small office connectivity with Verizon," says Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "The 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice is a versatile solution delivering both data connectivity and voice capabilities in one powerful portable package. We believe this new device will address the changing needs of Verizon's customers."

The MiFi Powered 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice requires only a power source to get started, making it easy to plug in and get connected at home or remotely. It can be used as an in-home or small office solution, and can travel with its owner to a vacation home or other place where voice calling or Internet connectivity is required. The 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice also has three Ethernet ports so users can plug in their printer or network storage devices.

Voice capabilities on the 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice mean travelers or vacationers can bring their home number with them where they go. The broadband router eliminates the need to constantly search for Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes or paying hotel Wi-Fi or phone fees.

Verizon customers can choose from three plans: Voice-only, Data-only, or Voice and Data bundle. Users will have the flexibility to move between the different plans at any time so if they're on a voice-only plan and decide they need voice and data solution, they can easily switch.

For a limited time promotion, the Verizon 4G LTE Router with Voice will be available for free with a new two year customer agreement when customers select the voice and data plan.

For more information on Verizon's 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice please visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=6758.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies. The company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Product lines include MiFi® Intelligent Mobile Hotspots, USB modems, embedded modules, mobile tracking solutions and asset tracking solutions. These innovative products provide anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more information please visit www.nvtl.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) 2013 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name and logo and MiFi are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.