Sierra Wireless introduces first USB modems for HSPA+ mobile broadband networks

The Sierra Wireless USB 306 and USB 307 provide users with access to the fastest available mobile broadband download speeds in the world

VANCOUVER, Canada – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) today introduced the Sierra Wireless USB 306 and the USB 307, the world’s first mobile broadband USB modems for HSPA+ networks. The new modems nearly triple the speed of other mobile broadband devices, with peak download speeds of 21 megabits per second (Mbps), making them the fastest mobile broadband devices available. The Sierra Wireless USB 306 and USB 307 modems are expected to ship within the first half of this year.

HSPA+ network technology significantly increases mobile broadband data speeds, reduces latency, boosts network capacity, and provides a better user experience. The higher bandwidth supports the more data-intensive applications people commonly use on the Internet today, including video and music downloads.

“We recognize that the way people use the Internet has evolved,” said Greg Speakman, vice president of Marketing for Sierra Wireless. “Most people require higher bandwidth from their connections now than they did even two years ago. Sierra Wireless is working hard to stay at the forefront of mobile technology to ensure that our customers can get online and do whatever they need to do, whether from home, work, or somewhere in between.”

The USB 306 is designed for North American and Asia-Pacific regions, operating on the 850, 1900 and 2100 MHz bands, and the USB 307 is optimized for Europe, operating on the 900 and 2100 MHz bands. To provide efficiency and convenience for users, Sierra Wireless TRU-Install™ loads the device drivers and Sierra Wireless Watcher™ connection manager software onto the computer the first time the USB modem is plugged in. Sierra Wireless Watcher connection manager makes it easy to check the modem’s status, network coverage, and signal strength. Both models are also equipped with a microSD™ card slot to provide convenient storage and assist with file transfers on-the-go.

Sierra Wireless USB 306 and USB 307

* Significantly improved data speeds, with peak downlink at 21 Mbps and uplink at 5.76 Mbps, supporting high-bandwidth online activities like music downloads and video
* Global roaming capabilities support connections around the world, with backward compatibility to HSPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS networks where HSPA+ coverage is not available
* microSD™ card slot offers convenient storage and file transfer capabilities, increasing productivity without the need for additional devices
* TRU-Install™ software installation technology steps first-time users through quick installation of the drivers and full software client directly from the modem, with no CD required
* Supported by Sierra Wireless Watcher 3.1 connection manager, which provides quick access to popular features and important modem information in a convenient, easy-to-use dashboard
* Convenient, flexible usage options available, including a laptop clip and an USB cable to allow the modem to be clipped to a notebook display, plus a lanyard loop and carrying pouch for easy storage.


Demonstrations of the USB 306 will be taking place at Mobile World Congress, to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from February 16 to 19. Details regarding on-site displays and demonstrations will be available in the Sierra Wireless Mobile World Congress Newsroom, at www.sierrawireless.com/MWC2009.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless USB 306 please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/usb306.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or e-mail sales@sierrawireless.com.

Note to editors:
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Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) modems and software connect people and systems to mobile broadband networks around the world. The Company offers a diverse product portfolio addressing enterprise, consumer, original equipment manufacturer, specialized vertical industry, and machine-to-machine markets, and provides professional services to customers requiring expertise in wireless design, integration, and carrier certification. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

“Sierra Wireless Watcher” and “TRU-Install” are trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Sierra Wireless 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.