HP, Verizon Team on B'bandHP, Verizon Team on B'band

PALO ALTO, Calif. and BEDMINSTER, N.J. -- HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) and Verizon Wireless today announced plans to bring mobile broadband connectivity to upcoming HP mobile business devices, offering users high-speed wireless data access(1) that extends beyond the reach of today's current patchwork of Wi-Fi hot spots.

As part of the collaboration, the companies will jointly market HP business notebooks and other mobile devices that take advantage of Verizon Wireless' EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network, the nation's largest high-speed wireless broadband network with data download speeds of 400 kbps to 700 kbps.

With the technology, HP customers will be able to enjoy secure broadband-comparable wireless access to email,(1) the Internet and critical business data when away from the office and home. No longer confined by Wi-Fi hotspot locations, users can work where they want to, even staying connected in a taxi cab as they head to an airport.

"Mobile broadband, which recently entered the U.S. market, is rapidly becoming the 'must have' technology in an industry already accelerating its shift away from desktop computers," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst, The Enderle Group. "This high-speed, broad-reach wireless technology opens up a serious set of future possibilities for both business and entertainment markets, creating one of the most powerful growth opportunities we have ever seen."

HP expects to make this mobile broadband technology available to customers through a PC Card solution this fall. Starting in early 2006, HP plans to begin offering business notebooks with integrated Verizon Wireless EV-DO modules that will be based on Qualcomm chipsets.

"HP is pushing the boundaries of mobile computing with Verizon Wireless," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Computing, HP. "The growing number of Wi-Fi hot spots is helping to drive more pervasive on-the-go computing, but our work with Verizon Wireless takes it a step further. Now, our customers will enjoy high-speed data connectivity in locations where public hotspot connections are unavailable."

The agreement between HP and Verizon Wireless calls for activities such as collaboration on product testing, product development and joint marketing.

"High-speed mobile connectivity will change the way many users stay connected and in doing so will set a new standard of productivity for users on the go," said John Stratton, vice president and chief marketing officer, Verizon Wireless. "Together with HP, we are expanding the range of mobile devices and options for customers who get true office mobility because of the breath and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network."

Hewlett-Packard Co.

Verizon Communications Inc.