SAN DIEGO -- Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers, and Novatel Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions, today announced they have successfully achieved their first joint certification for the Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 convertible tablet PC incorporating Novatel Wireless' embedded Expedite EU730 HSDPA module on Cingular Wireless'UMTS/HSDPA-based BroadbandConnect service. The CF-18 is the only fully rugged convertible tablet PC with embedded UMTS/HSDPA-based wide area wireless available today.
UMTS/HSDPA is the global standard and natural 3G evolutionary path for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication/Enhanced Data Rates for GlobalEvolution) providers. GSM is the world's most popular wireless technology, which is used by more than 1.8 billion people in 210 countries. In the U.S., CF-18 users will have mobile broadband access in all BroadbandConnect markets launched by Cingular in 2005 – and in most major markets by the end of this year – with seamless, high-speed EDGE network coverage outside those areas in 13,000 cities and towns. The Cingular-certifiedCF-18 also will provide users with global wireless data capabilities with access to EDGE or GPRS data service in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The CF-18 is the first of what is expected to be many joint UMTS/HSDPA certifications with Novatel Wireless and Cingular across the full line of Toughbook products—including rugged, semi-rugged and thin-and-light portable computers—designed to address mobile computing needs from the front-lines to the corner office and from global enterprises to small businesses.
With Novatel Wireless' Expedite EU730 module, Toughbook users will receive a top-of-the-line wireless broadband computing solution that enables them to access the Internet or e-mail, download large files and attachments, and run corporate business applications at broadband speeds in areas covered by BroadbandConnect. BroadbandConnect provides average download speeds between 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps), with bursts to more than one megabit per second (mbps). Cingular's EDGE network, the largest national high-speed wireless data network in the U.S., provides average download speeds of up to 135kbps.
"The combination of Panasonic's unique convertible tablet PC with built-in technology from Novatel for use on our 3G BroadbandConnect network provides a powerful end-to-end solution for companies in a wide range of industries that need to give their employees access to mission critical information,"said Laura Johnson, senior director, enterprise solutions, for Cingular Wireless. "The global wireless capabilities that Cingular brings to this offering allows these employees to stay connected whether they are on the other side of town, across the country or halfway around the world."
Novatel Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq: NVTL)
Panasonic Corp. (NYSE: PC)