Casio, and Novatel Forge Technologies to Develop Wireless Cassiopeia Palm-size PC

Companies to Work Together On Wireless Product Collaboration

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 1999--Novatel Wireless Inc., a leading provider of wireless Internet solutions, announced today at CTIA Wireless '99 the formation of a technology alliance with Casio Inc.

Casio is a leader in the development of Windows CE Handheld and Palm-size devices and was one of the first to partner with Microsoft in the development of this category. Novatel Wireless will work with Casio to develop state-of-the-art wireless solutions for Casio products.

``This is a strategic partnership that allows both of our companies to combine our expertise and create exciting new products,'' said Gary Rado, executive vice president, Consumer Products Division of Casio Inc. ``Combining Novatel Wireless' proven capabilities in wireless data solutions with our increasingly popular line of Cassiopeia Windows CE devices, allows us to create devices with superior functionality and portability. This will enable numerous new applications, such as email, Internet access, sales and field force automation, financial transactions and more.``

Novatel Wireless has extensive experience designing compact, fast and efficient wireless products for both the Windows CE and Palm OS operating systems, including the CONTACT(TM) Wireless H/PC, and Minstrel(TM) and Minstrel(TM) Plus Wireless IP Modems for the PalmPilot, Palm III, and the IBM WorkPad. Casio currently manufactures an entire line of Handheld and Palm-size PCs, including the popular Cassiopeia E-10 and E-11, and the new color 16MB E-100 Palm-size PCs. The companies expect to announce a new wireless product as early as Q3 1999.

``We are thrilled to be working with another world class leader to bring wireless communications to the forefront of the technology industry,'' said Robert Corey, president and chief executive officer of Novatel Wireless Inc. ``Adding wireless capabilities to handheld products has dramatically changed the way in which mobile computing devices are being used.''

Casio Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co. Ltd., Tokyo. Casio Inc., with sales over $500-million, markets calculators, watches, business organizers, musical keyboards, audio and video products, electronic cash registers, digital cameras, digital printers, handheld PCs and other consumer electronic products.

Novatel Wireless Inc. is a leading-edge wireless communications company headquartered in San Diego. The company designs and markets low-cost, turnkey wireless Internet solutions for both mobile and fixed environments. Novatel Wireless' product portfolio includes the Minstrel(TM) line of modem cradles, CONTACT(TM) Wireless H/PC, Sage(TM) Wireless IP Modem, and the NRM-6812 and Expedite(TM) OEM modules. Novatel Wireless is a privately held company. For more information on our products please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888/888-9231.