Sierra Wireless AirCard® 402 2-In-1 Data Card Now Available For Use On The Verizon Wireless Network

SAN DIEGO, CA, BASKING RIDGE, NJ and VANCOUVER, B.C. — From CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 in San Diego, Verizon Wireless and Sierra Wireless announced today that the AirCard® 402 2-in-1 mobile broadband card has been approved to run on the most reliable wireless voice and data network in the United States through Verizon Wireless’ open development program. The wireless leader’s open development program is designed to offer businesses and consumers the ability to use wireless devices, software and applications it does not offer on its nationwide wireless network. The AirCard 402 joins the Sierra Wireless USB 598, which was approved through Verizon Wireless’ open development program earlier this year.

“The Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 2-in-1 mobile broadband card provides the most popular features of our USB devices in a card form factor that can conveniently be left inserted and set to connect automatically, saving valuable time for busy mobile professionals,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president of Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “The AirCard 402 is ideal for customers who want the flexibility of switching between the PC Card and ExpressCard form factor, either to have the option of using it with multiple computers or to be prepared for a planned notebook upgrade. We are pleased to now make it available through Verizon Wireless’ open development program.”

The AirCard 402 2-in-1 mobile broadband card is remarkably compact and simple to use, with Sierra Wireless TRU-Install automatic software installation, which installs Sierra Wireless Watcher™ connection manager software upon first insertion into the notebook. It can be safely stored in the computer’s PC Card slot or ExpressCard slot for quick and easy internet access on-the-fly – its low profile and durable design allows users to carry the notebook with the card in place, and the AirCard 402 can be set to reconnect automatically when the computer is reopened.

Using the Verizon Wireless mobile broadband network, customers can download a 1 MB file in approximately eight seconds, or upload it in less than 13 seconds. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 data card supports EV-DO Rev. A technology, providing average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.

Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 2-in-1 mobile broadband card

• Sierra Wireless TRU-Install™ software installation technology is preloaded on the device, guiding first-time users through quick installation of the drivers and full software client with no CD required.
• Sierra Wireless Watcher™ connection manager offers a simple and intuitive dashboard that provides status, performance, and network information, as well as support for sending and receiving SMS messages, call usage history and tracking, phonebook capability, and online help including frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips.

“With automatic reconnection and the ability to store the card in the notebook’s card slot, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 data card is a great option for mobile professionals looking for a reliable, full-featured wireless solution that helps them make the most efficient use of their time while on the road,” said Anthony A. Lewis, vice president of open development at Verizon Wireless. “With access to the best 3G network in the country, the AirCard 402 data card is another example of a great device approved through our open development program.”

Verizon Wireless’ open development program provides customers with the option to use wireless devices it does not offer directly, such as the Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 data card, on the most reliable voice and data network in the country. Verizon Wireless’ open development program is driven by the company’s desire to encourage innovation, give customers new wireless choices, and quickly address opportunities to expand the wireless market. The company continues to provide full-service offerings for business and consumer customers.

Where to Purchase
Brightpoint (800-952-2355 or www.brightpoint.com) and Brightstar (877-7BRIGHT or www.brightstarcorp.com) are the official distribution partners for the Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 data card. Enterprise customers can contact their Sierra Wireless sales representative, the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk at 604-232-1488 or sales@sierrawireless.com or visit www.sierrawireless.com. Individual purchases can also be processed at www.sierrawireless.com/estore.  

For more information about Verizon Wireless’ open development program, visit www.verizonwireless-opendevelopment.com. For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/ac402.aspx.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) products connect people and machines to wireless networks around the world. We offer an advanced, comprehensive product line, addressing consumer, enterprise, original equipment manufacturer, and specialized vertical industry markets. We also offer a wide range of professional and operated services. Our solutions are used for mobile computing, transportation, industrial M2M (machine-to-machine), enterprise, residential and consumer communications applications. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.  

“AirCard” is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. “TRU-Install” and “Watcher” are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Sierra Wireless 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.

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