Sierra Wireless Delivers The First Cellular Vehicle Mounted Data Modem To Automatically Access Packet Or Circuit Cellular Services While Roaming.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 1998--

Sierra Works With GTE, Hughes Network Systems and Lucent

Technologies to Develop Complete CS-CDPD Solution based on

the MP215 modem

Today at the International Wireless Communications Expo, Sierra Wireless unveiled the MP215 cellular data mobile modem.

The new device is the first ever CS-CDPD (circuit-switched/CDPD) 3-watt modem to automatically provide end-to-end wireless IP anywhere. The MP215 combines the best of both Circuit Switched Cellular (CSC) and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) services. Sierra Wireless and other CS-CDPD innovators, Hughes Network Systems, Lucent Technologies and GTE Wireless, have developed a complete mobile solution combining IP packet data service and CSC service, to bring the first CS-CDPD solution to market.

"This is a breakthrough for cellular data customers," said Andrew Harries, Vice President Marketing at Sierra Wireless. "The MP215 combines high power and industrial strength with the ability to retain an IP packet connection throughout the cellular network."

"CS-CDPD removes the problem of intermittent coverage as the dominant issue preventing corporate customers from having ready access to wireless data transfer," stated Ming Chow, Program Manager, CDPD, Hughes Network Systems. "We can offer users more choices when selecting wireless solutions because companies like Sierra continue to develop products for new network categories. The Sierra Wireless MP215 is a welcome addition to our wireless data access solutions."

As a primary supplier of Circuit Switched CDPD infrastructure through its AIReach products, Hughes Network Systems (HNS) worked closely with network operators to provide seamless wireless data coverage for users through CDPD and CS-CDPD networks. By developing the CS-CDPD technology, HNS continues its mission to build market-differentiated wireless infrastructure networks and provides revenue-generating solutions for key facets of the wireless industry.

Lucent Technologies is also recognized as a key developer of CS-CDPD technology and its wireless network infrastructure is in commercial service in 95 of the top 100 markets in the United States.

"Much as with voice service, coverage is king for our service provider customers," said Gerry Lapidus, marketing manager-wireless data systems for Lucent Technologies. "The combination of seamless circuit switched and cellular digital packet data offers network operators a compelling argument to market data services based on industry standards."

GTE Wireless, a leading wireless-service provider, plans to offer the MP215 to a range of its targeted customers, including law enforcement, field service and transportation markets currently utilizing its CS-CDPD service.

"With CS-CDPD we can now expand our wireless data reach beyond local CDPD coverage. The solution makes public safety and transportation solutions even more viable as we begin to see a move to ubiquitous coverage," said Jon Wells, Group Product Manager for GTE Wireless.

About the MP215

The MP215 is a cellular data modem designed for mobile and fixed cellular data communications using CS-CDPD. With its high power, 3-watts output and full duplex transceiver, the MP215 is able to switch automatically from Circuit-Switched Cellular to CDPD. The MP215 includes Sierra's WirelessExpert program which guides users through the installation and configuration process and Sierra Wireless Watcher which provides a signal and status monitoring interface that is compatible with standard Windows 95 applications. The MP215 provides host interfaces via SLIP or AT-Commands, which makes application integration an easy process. As with all of the cellular data modems in Sierra Wireless' MP200 product line, the MP215 is built to withstand vibration, extended temperatures, ignition noise, humidity and physical shock.

The MP215 is currently in field trials and will be available for volume shipments by June 1998. Sierra Wireless will distribute the MP215 directly and through its resellers and distributors.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless is a world leader in cellular data modems and enabling software. The company brings together a high caliber team that sets new standards in wireless modems. Award winning modems include:

-- the AirCard(R), the world's first cellular data radio in a true Type II PC card, the 1997 winner of Mobile Insights' Best PC Card Award and Wireless and Mobility 1997 Top Product Award;

-- the MP200 family of ruggedized, 3-watt vehicle-based modems, including integrated voice and GPS options;

-- the SB220 cellular OEM module;

-- the DART line of CDPD telemetry and transaction modems; and

-- Watcher & WirelessExpert PC-based software utilities

For more information contact: Sierra Wireless Inc. Phoebe Yong, Phone: [phone]

GTE Wireless Tom Byker, Phone: [phone]

Hughes Network Systems Judy Blake, Phone: [phone]

Lucent Technologies Sam Gronner, Phone: [phone]

CONTACT: Sierra Wireless Inc.

Phoebe Yong, 604/231-1100

[e-mail]

or

MorseMcFadden Communications

Lisa Geschke, 425/889-0528

[e-mail]