Sprint (NYSE:S) and Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL) today announced the Friday, July 19, availability for the latest addition to the award-winning MiFi® Intelligent mobile hotspot lineup, MiFi® 500 LTE by Novatel Wireless?.

MiFi 500 LTE is among the first tri-band devices to join Sprint's family of mobile broadband devices providing access to Sprint's 4G LTE network at 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz. MiFi 500 LTE includes Novatel Wireless' advanced software enhancements to the MiFi Technology Platform that extend usage time through more efficient use of battery capacity, so MiFi users will be able to stay connected longer without re-charging - while keeping a sleek and lightweight design.

MiFi 500 LTE will be available on July 19 for $49.99 (excluding taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1, through www.sprint.com, 1-800-SPRINT1, retail stores and Business Sales.

Customers can activate their MiFi 500 LTE device on one of Sprint's many mobile broadband data plans. Plans monthly prices, excluding taxes and fees, start at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. Customers also can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data (or $79.99 for 12GB of 3G/4G data).

"Sprint is thrilled to partner with Novatel Wireless to bring our customers the latest MiFi device that takes advantage of Sprint's cutting-edge Network Vision technology," said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "Whether it's streaming music or video on multiple devices, browsing the Web, online gaming, or just catching up on email, the MiFi 500 LTE gives customers a secure, fast connection while providing access to all three of Sprint's 4G LTE network bands."

MiFi 500 LTE allows users to enjoy all of the features they love about the MiFi intelligent mobile hotspot and more, including:

  • Advanced security
  • Long battery life (averages 10 hours of use on a single charge)
  • Compact and robust design
  • Easy-to-use, intuitive device menu with critical details right at your fingertips
  • GPS over Wi-Fi capability makes connecting to GPS applications a snap
  • WPS makes connecting to certain devices even easier
  • Quickly connect up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices, including laptops, mobile gaming devices and tablets
  • Accurately check data usage from the user-friendly Web interface

Rob Hadley, chief marketing officer for Novatel Wireless, said, "Built on the Novatel Wireless patented MiFi technology with a legacy of best-in-class performance and security features, we're excited to introduce the MiFi 500 LTE and support Sprint's Network Vision roll-out with this tri-band 4G LTE device."

The launch of devices like the MiFi 500 LTE, which can operate on three spectrum bands, celebrates yet another milestone in Sprint's rollout of Network Vision. Network Vision represents a nationwide update of the Sprint network leveraging the 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz spectrum bands and using the newest, most-advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of enhancing network coverage, improving call quality and increasing data speeds for customers.

Sprint 4G LTE currently reaches 110 markets. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint's 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit www.sprint.com/network. For detailed 4G LTE maps, visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back often because the maps will be updated whenever coverage is enhanced.

About Sprint

Sprint offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint served more than 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, during the last five years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

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, Ovation? USB modems, Expedite® embedded modules, Mobile Tracking Solutions, Asset Tracking Solutions, and Enabler® smart M2M modules. These innovative products provide anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Novatel Wireless headquarters is in San Diego, and the company 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.

1The American Express Prepaid Reward Card ("Card") provided in connection with this Rebate offer is a prepaid Card that is usable at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Card. Some limitations apply. The Card is not redeemable for cash (except where required by law) and does not provide ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE, UNLESS FUNDS ARE EARLIER DEPLETED. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 1-866-608-3756. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation.

Sprint
Nichole (Cappitelli) Pichardo, 949-748-3364
nichole.pichardo@sprint.com
or
Novatel Wireless
Charlotte Rubin, 858-812-3431
crubin@nvtl.com