Sierra Wireless developing world's fastest mobile broadband device for Telstra's...

Sierra Wireless developing world's fastest mobile broadband device for
Telstra's Next G(TM) network

Wireless data devices supporting HSPA+ technology push download speeds to
21Mbps*

VANCOUVER, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR -
TSX: SW) is working with mobile broadband industry leaders to almost triple
the speed of mobile broadband devices. In collaboration with Telstra,
Qualcomm, and Ericsson, Sierra Wireless is developing the first wireless data
devices for the HSPA+ standard, which offer peak download speeds of 21
megabits per second (Mbps) over Telstra's super-fast Next G(TM) network -
three times faster than currently available HSPA modems. Shipments for
customer trials are expected to begin in coming months, with a commercial
launch to follow.
HSPA+ is also known as HSPA Evolution or Evolved HSPA (eHSPA). In addition to
significantly increasing data speeds, the standard reduces latency, boosts
network capacity, and provides an enhanced user experience. The larger
bandwidth supports more data-intensive applications people commonly use on the
internet today, including video downloads. Telstra recently confirmed it is on
track to begin rolling out the new technology to the Next G(TM) wireless
network by the end of this year.
Mr Ross Fielding, Executive Director, Telstra Product Management said Telstra
announced in February that the Next G(TM) network would start being upgraded
to peak network downlink speeds of 21Mbps by the end of the year.
"We are on track to deliver on this promise and start providing peak network
speeds of 21Mbps downlink across the network's expansive footprint from the
end of the year," Mr Fielding said.
"Working with our partners, Sierra Wireless, Qualcomm and Ericsson, we are
developing the world's first 21Mbps capable mobile broadband device, which
will take advantage of the speed, coverage and capabilities of the Next G(TM)
network, giving our customers an unrivalled broadband experience when on the
move, across a network that covers over two million square kilometers and
99 per cent of the Australian population."
"HSPA+ technology will provide a remarkable improvement in how people
experience mobile broadband, and once again opens the door for new, higher
bandwidth applications," said Jim Kirkpatrick, Chief Technology Officer for
Sierra Wireless. "Telstra has shown tremendous industry leadership in
delivering leading mobile broadband technology first in the world, and we are
thrilled to work with other key industry leaders like Qualcomm and Ericsson to
support this initiative."

*Peak network downlink speed. Actual customer download speeds will be
less and will vary due to network configuration, congestion, distance
from the cell, local conditions, hardware, software and other factors.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) modems and software connect people
and systems to mobile broadband networks around the world. The Company offers
a diverse product portfolio addressing enterprise, consumer, original
equipment manufacturer, specialized vertical industry, and machine-to-machine
markets, and provides professional services to customers requiring expertise
in wireless design, integration, and carrier certification. For more
information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.
"AirCard" is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or
service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things,
plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and
products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions,
channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating
expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in
this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding
future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully
develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and
that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words
"plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations.
They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data
communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties
surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand
that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in
this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.

Sharlene Myers, Sierra Wireless, Phone: (604) 232-1445, Email:
smyers@sierrawireless.com; Martin Barr, Telstra, Ph: 03 9634 4990 Email:
Martin.Barr@team.telstra.com