Stick it! Virgin Mobile Canada introduces Broadband2Go(TM) data stick

First in Canada to offer 3G nationwide wireless internet access with no annual contract and first month's top up at no charge!

TORONTO , Dec. 3 /CNW/ - Virgin Mobile Canada announced today the launch of Broadband2Go(TM), a rocket-fast new 3G nationwide wireless Internet service without an annual contract or activation fee.

Virgin Mobile is breaking new ground yet again with the first data stick of its kind in Canada , letting surfers control their costs and pay for access only when they need it. Delivering a lightning-fast internet punch in a very small package, Broadband2Go will be available at Virgin Mobile stores, virginmobile.ca and Future Shop starting on December 3, 2009 .

"Forget about long-term contracts, monthly bills or looking around for a Wi-Fi signal to jump on. Prepaid mobile web access is perfect for students, families on the go and anyone who needs to jump online in a flash," said Robert Blumenthal President and CEO, Virgin Mobile Canada . "We've already shown the huge benefit of no annual contracts and giving our customers the freedom to control their costs and chose the services they want. Broadband2Go is yet another way we're delivering big time value, flexibility and convenience to Canadians."

Just like Virgin Mobile Canada's phones, activation is simple and easy. At virginmobile.ca, web surfers can keep their service going by topping up when they want right from their registered credit card or they can set up automatic payments so they're always good to go. To kick off the launch, Virgin Mobile's special intro offer gives new Broadband2Go users their first month or 1GB at no charge if you activate on-line! After that, top ups are just $45 for 1GB or for 1 month of use, whichever comes first.

"We're delighted to work with Virgin Mobile Canada to deliver a great wireless Internet service providing their customers the choice of a prepaid option for mobile Internet access," said Rob Hadley , CMO, Novatel Wireless. "Featuring fast download speeds, reliable performance and flexible top-up options to fit the user's needs, the world's smallest EV-DO data stick offers Canadians an unbeatable way to access the web."

Available for $149.99 , the Novatel Wireless (Nasdaq: NVTL) Ovation(TM) MC760 is the world's smallest EV-DO Rev. A modem. At just over two inches long and weighing less than an ounce, the Broadband2Go data stick literally lets you take the internet in your hand. Extremely durable and compact, the stick delivers a ton of innovative features, including an integrated microSD(TM) slot for seamless storage and transport of up to 8GB of files, photos, or videos on a removable microSD storage card (sold separately). For more info, head to www.virginmobile.ca/broadband2go.

About Virgin Mobile

The Virgin Mobile group of companies has attracted more than 12 million customers worldwide. As the No.1 mobile youth network, Virgin Mobile Canada's mission is to be Canada's most loved mobile company. Its simpler, better deals offer customers control, flexibility and choice to design mobile packages that truly works for them. J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Canadian Wireless Customer Satisfaction Study has awarded Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Prepaid Wireless Service, Five Years in a Row"(1) and it has ranked Virgin Mobile "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Postpaid Wireless Service"(2). 91% of customers would also recommend Virgin Mobile to a friend.

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 4,000 locations with top-up cards available at more than 10,000 locations nationally. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobile.ca or by calling 1-888-999-2321. Get personal with Virgin Mobile Canada on Facebook at facebook.com/virginmobilecan and Twitter at twitter.com/virginmobilecan.

About Novatel Wireless

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G and 4G WCDMA (HSPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' USB modems, embedded modules, Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products and software enable high-speed wireless Internet access on leading wireless data networks. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, OEMs, and vertical markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego , California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more information, please visit www.Novatelwireless.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 introduction, 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.

Copyright 2009 Novatel Wireless. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name and logo are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

    
    --------------------------------------------
    (1) J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer
        Satisfaction Studies(SM). Study based on 15,207 total responses from
        consumers with prepaid wireless service, measuring 5 wireless service
        providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and
        perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009. www.jdpower.com
    (2) J.D. Power and Associates 2005-2009 Canadian Wireless Customer
        Satisfaction Studies(SM). Study based on 15,207 total responses from
        consumers with postpaid wireless service, measuring 9 wireless
        service providers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences
        and perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2009.
        www.jdpower.com
    

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Kayla Rochkin, Hill & Knowlton Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Chris Baines, Virgin Mobile Canada, [phone], [phone], [email protected]; For Novatel Wireless: Cara Sloman, Nadel Phelan, [phone], [email protected]