Verizon Offering Cellular Internet Service
for Handheld Computers.
By Jeffrey Nelson

Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, and Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a provider of wireless data communications access software, today announced commercial availability of the MerlinTM CDPD Special Edition for use with Pocket PC (PPC) devices. Slightly larger than a credit card, the co-branded Novatel Wireless, Verizon Wireless Merlin CDPD Special Edition slides inside your Type II PC Card slot, and works exclusively with Windows CE and PPC devices.

The Merlin CDPD Special Edition PC Card provides wireless Internet access for connecting Windows CE or PPC handheld devices directly to the Verizon Wireless CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) network. (EDITORS: A coverage map of the Verizon Wireless CDPD Network may be found at ).

The Merlin CDPD Special Edition Modem Manager software is simple to install and easy to use, offering seamless wireless Internet connectivity and a static IP for secure access to the corporate environment.

"We are excited to work together with Verizon Wireless, combining products and services into one compelling solution for the pocket PC platform, backed by the largest wireless communications carrier in the United States" said John Major, CEO of Novatel Wireless.

Verizon Wireless will bundle the Merlin CDPD Special Edition with Verizon Wireless Mobile IP services providing unlimited browsing and e-mail usage within the Verizon Wireless CDPD markets for $24.95 per month. Service includes a POP3 email account, activation on Verizon Wireless' CDPD network, full Internet access, and unlimited usage within Verizon Wireless's CDPD markets. The retail cost of the Merlin for CDPD Special Edition modem will be $149.99.

"Verizon Wireless and Novatel Wireless are bringing a quality product to mobile professionals who want constant connectivity to the Internet," said Gary Schulman, President of the Verizon Wireless Division of Wireless Data & Internet Services.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with 27.5 million wireless voice and data customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp -- now Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) -- and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. Verizon Wireless, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 38,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at .

About Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data modems and software for use with handheld computing devices and portable personal computers. The company delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions that enable businesses and consumers to access personal, corporate and public information through email, enterprise networks and the Internet. Novatel Wireless also offers wireless data modems and custom engineering services for hardware integration projects in a wide range of vertical applications. The Novatel Wireless product portfolio includes the MinstrelŽ family of Wireless Palmtop Modems, MerlinTM Wireless PC Cards, SageŽ Wireless Serial Modems, Lancer 3WTM Wireless 3-Watt Modems and ExpediteTM family of Wireless Embedded Modules. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: NVTL). For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888-888-9231.

The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, Minstrel V, Minstrel S, Merlin, Sage, Lancer 3W and Expedite are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Minstrel and Sage are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.

In Respect to Novatel Wireless: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, 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 and other regulatory agencies.