provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced the launch of the Ovation™ MC950D USB Modem on Vodacom South Africa’s network. The award winning MC950D is a HSPA mobile broadband modem that plugs easily into a computer’s USB port, providing upload and downlink speeds that meet or exceed traditional home DSL and cable modems.

Optimized for HSPA worldwide networks, the Ovation MC950D is a tri-band HSUPA/HSDPA and quad band EDGE/GPRS modem designed to be extremely durable and fit comfortably in any pocket. For use in the home, at the office or on the road, the MC950D will provide Vodacom customers with instant on-the-go mobile broadband access to surf the Web, check email, access important business documents and much more.

“Vodacom continues to set the pace in wireless broadband technologies and services in South Africa. With HSUPA available country-wide, wherever the Vodacom network offers 3G coverage, our customers now have access to the fastest down- and upload speeds available, offering them a true broadband experience,” says Pieter Uys, COO of Vodacom Group

With support for 7.2 Mbps downlink speeds and 2.1 Mbps uplink upon launch, the MC950D offers notably faster speeds than legacy mobile data modems. These speed increases allow all Vodacom customers to share large data files and leverage new wireless data applications on the go.

The Ovation MC950D packs a variety of features into its miniature form factor, including fully integrated diversity antennae, receiver diversity and equalizer support to improve performance in weak signal areas. Vodafone dashboard software is pre-installed on the device, significantly improving the user's out-of-box experience by eliminating the need to install drivers from a CD.

“Vodacom’s HSPA Network is the ideal platform to support Novatel’s next generation mobile data devices,” said Peter Leparulo, CEO of Novatel Wireless. “Novatel is very pleased to work with Vodacom in providing our combined customers with the world’s most advanced mobile broadband solutions.”

The Ovation MC950D is commercially available through Vodacom approved dealers and Vodacom Business’ sales channels.

About Vodacom South Africe

Vodacom is a Pan-African cellular communications company providing a world class GSM service to more than 34 million customers in South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho and Mozambique.

Vodacom South Africa launched its 3G network in December 2004, HSDPA 1.8 network in March 2006, its 3G HSDPA 3.6 network in January 2008 and its HSUPA network in May 2008.

About Novatel Wireless

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of innovative wireless broadband access solutions based on 3G WCDMA (HSPA & UMTS), CDMA and GSM technologies. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards and ExpressCards, Expedite® Embedded Modules, MobiLink™ Communications Software Suite, Ovation™ Fixed Mobile Convergence Products and Conversa™ Software Suite enable high-speed wireless Internet access. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Information Source:    Business Wire