Sierra Wireless introduces AirCard® wireless modems for USB ports

AirCard USB modems offer portable wireless broadband solution to meet the needs of both mobile and fixed wireless customers

August 30, 2006 - Vancouver, British Columbia – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) today announced the latest addition to the company’s AirCard® product line: AirCard USB Wireless Modems for EV-DO Revision A and HSDPA networks. Based on Sierra Wireless PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules, the stylish and compact AirCard USB modems can either plug directly into the USB ports of both notebook and desktop computers, or be connected through a docking cradle. This offers an alternative for customers without PCMCIA card slots, and allows them to move a single wireless data service between multiple computers to save costs.

The AirCard 595U for EV-DO Revision A networks is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2006. Shipments of the AirCard 875U, for use on HSDPA networks, are expected to follow in the first quarter of 2007.

“Our USB modems will allow customers to use a 3G wireless connection for all their connectivity needs, or with other devices besides their notebook computers,” said Trent Punnett, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. “With a sleek design that includes several carefully considered features – such as an integrated battery and a docking cradle – to improve the overall performance and user experience, Sierra Wireless AirCard USB modems are a strong addition to our comprehensive product portfolio.”

Compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, the AirCard 595U and AirCard 875U are pocket-sized for mobility (3.7 x 1.5 x 0.8 in.; 93 x 39 x 20 mm) and offer customers an alternative to both PCMCIA- and ExpressCard-based solutions. An internal battery ensures optimal performance in fringe areas, while built-in GPS functionality allows for delivery of location-based services such as local searches and navigation assistance.

Users can choose to plug the modem directly into a single USB port, or use the included docking cradle, which enables the device to move seamlessly between a fixed and mobile environment and offers the added benefit of allowing it to be optimally located for the best possible antenna performance in a given location.

AirCard 595U
The AirCard 595U USB modem, built using the Sierra Wireless MC5725 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module, is designed for EV-DO Revision A networks and offers maximum data speeds of 3.1 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink. For use in areas where an EV-DO Revision A network is not yet available, the AirCard 595U is also compatible with widely available EV-DO Release 0 and CDMA 1X networks.

AirCard 875U
The AirCard 875U USB modem, built using the Sierra Wireless MC8775 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module, supports peak theoretical data rates of up to 3.6 Mbps on HSDPA networks and is upgradeable to support future network upgrades providing peak data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps. With support for HSDPA and UMTS on the 2100, 1900, and 850 MHz frequency bands, as well as support for EDGE and GPRS on the 1900, 1800, 900, and 850 MHz frequency bands, the AirCard 875U offers international 3G network roaming on networks worldwide.

For more information about Sierra Wireless USB modems, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/usbmodem.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, please call 604-232-1488 or e-mail sales@sierrawireless.com.

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About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) develops and markets reliable, high quality wireless communications products that provide mobile professionals with data and voice access to wide area wireless networks. The Sierra Wireless product portfolio includes the award-winning AirCard® line of wireless PC cards, embedded modules for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the MP line of rugged, vehicle-mounted wireless modems. Sierra Wireless also offers professional services to OEM customers during product development, leveraging the company’s expertise in wireless design and integration to provide built-in wireless connectivity for notebook computers and other portable computing devices. Sierra Wireless is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, with additional offices in Carlsbad, California, London, and Hong Kong. For more information about Sierra Wireless, please visit www.sierrawireless.com.

“AirCard” is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words “plan”, “expect”, “believe”, and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

Contact Information

Kathleen Landry

Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications

Sierra Wireless

Contact via E-mail