Modem maker Novatel Wireless Inc. announced two new High-Speed Downlink Packet Access products for laptop computers, firing one of the first volleys in the nascent but potentially significant market for HSDPA technology.
Novatel is in a race with other modem makers such as Sierra Wireless Inc. to develop HSDPA products, including PC cards, modems and modules. Such players hope to score favor with the likes of Cingular Wireless L.L.C. by being first to market with HSDPA products.
Novatel said its Expedite EU730 and EU740 PCI Express Mini Cards are for laptop computers. The company said the cards are now in the development phase, and are not yet ready to be sold to laptop manufacturers. The EU730 is intended for 850 MHz and 1900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA networks in North America, and the EU740 is intended for 2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA networks in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Both cards are compatible with 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz EDGE, GPRS and GSM networks. Both Novatel and Sierra have said they hope to score deals with laptop makers for embedded products. Novatel said the cards are its first announced HSDPA products.
“Novatel Wireless is simplifying the integration of high-speed broadband access on mobile devices, helping manufacturers meet the growing demand for turnkey solutions,” said Slim Souissi, Novatel’s chief technology officer. “By diversifying our portfolio and developing more advanced HSDPA devices, Novatel Wireless continues its lead in the 3G broadband data market.”
