Sierra Wireless adds 2-in-1 HSPA+ AirCards to a lineup already fraught with action and danger

Sierra Wireless has just announced five new AirCard data cards and USB modems, including devices supporting HSPA+ frequencies. The AirCard 503, AirCard USB 308, and AirCard USB 309 all support peak download speeds of 21Mbps, with the former being a 2-in-1 PC card / ExpressCard device and the latter two being basically the same USB modem (except the first one supports 850MHz, 1900MHz, and 2100MHz frequencies, while AirCard USB 309 limits you to 900MHz and 2100MHz bands). If the raw excitement and glamor of HSPA+ speeds are more than you (or your budget) can handle, the company is also introducing a couple plain ol' HSPA cards with respectable peak downloads of 7.2Mbps and peak uploads of 5.76Mbps. The AirCard USB 301 supports 850MHz and 2100 MHz bands, while the AirCard USB 302 does its thing in the 900MHz and 2100MHz range. Scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of this year for prices to be announced. PR after the break.

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Sierra Wireless adds to AirCard product portfolio with five new products for HSPA and HSPA+ networks

September 29, 2009

VANCOUVER, Canada – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) today announced the addition of five new products to the company's AirCard® line of data cards and USB modems for mobile broadband networks worldwide. Designed to meet the needs of network operators, enterprises, and consumers worldwide, the expanded AirCard lineup includes the second generation of Sierra Wireless products for the emerging HSPA+ technology standard, which offers download speeds of up to 21 megabits per second (Mbps). It also includes a new style and design for Sierra Wireless HSPA USB modems.

"By staying on the forefront of wireless technology, Sierra Wireless is able to offer customers an attractive mix of functionality, product longevity, performance, and pricing," said Greg Speakman, vice president of marketing for the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line. "Today's additions to our worldwide HSPA lineup offer just that. The AirCard USB 308 and USB 309 and the AirCard 503 provide the latest technology and improved performance for the best possible mobile broadband experience for customers on the leading edge of mobile broadband technology. The AirCard USB 301 and USB 302 provide network operators with consumer targeted devices that offer significant value without sacrificing quality."

Second generation of AirCard devices for HSPA+ networks

The AirCard 503 data card, AirCard USB 308, and AirCard USB 309 modems form the second generation of products for HSPA+ networks, following the successful launch of the USB 306 earlier this year. Supporting peak download speeds of 21 megabits per second (Mbps) on an HSPA+ network, the AirCard 503, AirCard USB 308 and AirCard USB 309 modems provide digital nomads with the power to quickly upload the latest installment for their company's viral video campaign, check the team collaboration site for updates, or download the most recent sales report from the back seat of a taxi on the way to the airport.

The AirCard 503 data card is a convertible 2-in-1 card that fits both PC card and ExpressCard slots for compatibility with a wide range of notebook computers. Its low profile, compact antenna, and impact resistant housing allow it to be safely stored in the notebook card slot even when inactive, providing for convenient, efficient network access whenever it's needed.

The AirCard USB 308 and USB 309 modems sport a new industrial design and performance improvements, including faster installation and setup of Sierra Wireless Watcher™ connection manager and a faster browsing experience. The difference between the two models lies in the HSPA+ frequency bands supported – the AirCard USB 308 supports the 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz HSPA+ frequency bands, while the AirCard USB 309 supports the 900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands.

AirCard USB 301 and AirCard USB 302 offer style and substance, quality and value

The AirCard USB 301 and USB 302 modems combine a sharp new design with a streamlined feature set for the value-driven consumer market. They offer peak download speeds of 7.2 Mbps and peak upload speeds of 5.76 Mbps on an HSPA network – plenty of power for routine daily tasks like Internet browsing, term paper research (even over a VPN), emailing photos, or staying up to date with social networks. As with the AirCard USB 308 and USB 309 modems, the AirCard USB 301 and USB 302 are distinguished by their frequency band support – the AirCard USB 301 operates on the 850 and 2100 MHz HSPA frequencies, while the AirCard USB 302 operates on the 900 and 2100 MHz frequencies.

The AirCard USB 301 and USB 302 modems are supported by Sierra Wireless Watcher™ connection manager software, with the ability to incorporate pre-pay functionality for operators wishing to operate prepaid data service. Unlike many devices offered in prepaid services, however, the AirCard USB 301 and USB 302 offer many of the features available on higher-end models, including a microSD card slot for extra storage and an external antenna connector to support reception in fringe areas.

Devices in the new AirCard product lineup are scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of this year. For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard product line please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or e-mail sales@sierrawireless.com.