Xoom owners might still be waiting for an LTE upgrade, but it does look like 4G netbooks and tablets could be hitting Verizon's network pretty soon. The carrier, known for its stringent testing standards, has cleared Novatel Wireless' E362 module to run on its network, paving the way for devices with embedded 4G radios. In addition to LTE, the module is compatible with CDMA and HSPA+ / UMTS technology -- a safety net for people outside the 55 markets (soon to be 147) where Verizon is serving up 4G service. Okay, so with no word on pricing or product launches, an onslaught isn't exactly imminent, but when it happens we'll try not to say "told you so."
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Novatel Wireless Embedded LTE Module First to Receive Certification for Commercial Use on Verizon Wireless 4G Network
SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that it has received technical approval for its Expedite E362 4G LTE embedded module to run on the Verizon Wireless LTE network.
Novatel Wireless is the first provider to have an embedded LTE solution commercially available and compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Novatel Wireless embedded modules portfolio provides innovative solutions to integrate high-speed data connectivity into notebooks, netbooks, tablets and other portable entertainment devices.
"We're proud to cross this milestone with our leading next-generation 4G LTE embedded module," says Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. "To meet consumers' desire to be connected anywhere, anytime, we are actively engaged in integrating our 4G embedded modules into platform launches with a number of devices and notebook manufacturers as they roll-out next-generation enabled mobile broadband devices."
Developing on the proven performance of the Expedite product line, Novatel Wireless' Expedite E362 LTE embedded module is optimized for power efficiency, thermal performance and weight. Additional key features include Novatel Wireless' proven Connection Manager - Mobilink 3 - supporting Windows 7, Vista and XPas well as software support for OEM tablet and notebook integration with both Windows drivers and Android RIL (from Froyo to Honeycomb).The Expedite E362 is capable of multimode support for LTE and backward compatibility to existing 2G and 3G GSM and CDMA networks.
