Novatel Expedite E362 LTE modem gets Verizon 4G approval: Next stop XOOM?
Novatel Wireless has become the first modem manufacturer to get its embedded LTE module certified by Verizon Wireless for use on the carrier's growing 4G LTE network, with the Expedite E362 also offering backward compatibility to 2G/3G GSM and CDMA networks. Interestingly, as well as working with various flavors of Windows, the miniPCI modem also supports Android (from Froyo to Honeycomb), meaning this could well end up being the LTE card that slots into Motorola's XOOM 4G.
Verizon had promised a free 4G update for the XOOM when it launched the 3G version of the slate earlier in the year. At the time, though, no 4G miniPCI modems certified for the LTE network were available, something which has obviously now changed with the advent of this new card.
As well as LTE there's quadband HSPA+ and GPS support, though which of those capabilities Verizon might leave turned on remains to be seen. Even if it doesn't find its way into the XOOM, expect notebooks and tablets using the Novatel card to reach the market sooner rather than later.
Press Release:
Novatel Wireless Embedded LTE Module First to Receive Certification for
Commercial Use on Verizon Wireless 4G NetworkSAN DIEGO May 19, 2011 Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading
provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that it has
received technical approval for its Expedite E362 4G LTE embedded module to
run on the Verizon Wireless LTE network.
Novatel Wireless is the first provider to have an embedded LTE solution
commercially available and compatible with the Verizon Wireless network.
Novatel Wireless embedded modules portfolio provides innovative solutions to
integrate high-speed data connectivity into notebooks, netbooks, tablets and
other portable entertainment devices.
³We¹re proud to cross this milestone with our leading next-generation 4G LTE
embedded module,² says Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. ³To meet
consumers¹ desire to be connected anywhere, anytime, we are actively engaged
in integrating our 4G embedded modules into platform launches with a number
of devices and notebook manufacturers as they roll-out next-generation
enabled mobile broadband devices.²
Developing on the proven performance of the Expedite product line, Novatel
Wireless¹ Expedite E362 LTE embedded module is optimized for power
efficiency, thermal performance and weight. Additional key features include
Novatel Wireless¹ proven Connection Manager Mobilink 3 – supporting
Windows 7, Vista and XP as well as software support for OEM tablet and
notebook integration with both Windows drivers and Android RIL (from Froyo
to Honeycomb). The Expedite E362 is capable of multimode support for LTE and
backward compatibility to existing 2G and 3G GSM and CDMA networks.
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 providing
wireless connectivity. The company delivers specialized wireless solutions
to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide.
Novatel Wireless' Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems,
embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative 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)