New Sierra Wireless USB modem fits more style, features into less space

Sierra Wireless Compass™ 597 USB modem for EV-DO Revision A networks packs connectivity and storage into a device small enough to fit under a business card

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) introduced the latest, and the smallest, addition to its USB modem product line. Scheduled for commercial availability early in the second quarter of this year, the Compass™ 597 USB modem combines high-speed mobile broadband access to EV-DO Revision A networks with a microSD card slot for convenient storage, all in a cleanly designed USB stick that is smaller than any available today.

The Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB modem is remarkably small and yet feature-rich, with TRU-Install™ software installation to simplify setup* and a microSD memory card slot for expanded functionality. The Compass 597 USB modem is also the only product in its class to include a connector for an external antenna, allowing users in remote areas or fringe network coverage to extend and strengthen their connection to the network.

“The Compass 597 USB modem combines high-speed mobile broadband and expandable storage in an attractive device that installs its own drivers and software and is small enough to hide in the palm of my hand, making it an easy choice for customers looking for a practical, simple way to work or stay in touch while on the go,” said Trent Punnett, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Development, for Sierra Wireless.

Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB Modem

Potential data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps (megabits per second) on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink, on the latest EV-DO Revision A networks, but also backward compatible with earlier network technologies for seamless connectivity in areas yet to be upgraded
Built-in GPS antenna design and Sierra Wireless TRU-Locate™ technology to support mobile operator Location Based Services (LBS) for accurate and fast time-to-signal fix
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
Convenient, flexible usage options, with an external antenna connector for users working in remote or network fringe areas, and a lanyard loop to allow the modem to be clipped to the inside of a bag.

Sierra Wireless will showcase the Compass 597 USB modem at CTIA Wireless 2008, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 1 to 3. Please visit the company’s booth (#249) for more information on solutions for mobile broadband connectivity in a variety of consumer, enterprise, and M2M applications.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB modem please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/compass_597.aspx. For more information on Sierra Wireless TRU Design Features, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product/tru.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or e-mail sales@sierrawireless.com.

*TRU-Install software installation capability will be subject to network operator support.