VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Mobile professionals can now take advantage of latest 3G wireless technology from Cingular and Sierra Wireless as the AirCard 860 makes its commercial debut in Cingular retail locations and enterprise channels
Sierra Wireless today announced that the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 3G wireless wide area network (WWAN) card for HSDPA networks is now available through Cingular for use on the company’s new HSDPA network. Customers can purchase the AirCard 860 card at Cingular retail locations or through enterprise sales channels for US $99.99 with a two-year unlimited use contract.
Cingular has launched HSDPA networks in select cities, with the addition of new markets to continue throughout 2006. In areas where HSDPA is not yet available, the AirCard 860 offers connectivity to Cingular’s nationwide EDGE network, giving users the optimal combination of coverage, performance, and convenience in a simple, cost-efficient solution while away from the office.
The AirCard 860 wireless WAN card is a Type II PC Card with a slim, unextended design, allowing users to conveniently store the unit inside the laptop. Fully functional on HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS networks, the AirCard 860 utilizes the 850 and 1900 MHz UMTS frequency bands and offers average data rates of 400 to 700 kbps, with bursts over 1 Mbps on Cingular’s HSDPA network(i). Mobile workers can now more efficiently access email with large attachments, corporate networks, the Internet, and business applications within HSDPA coverage areas.
In areas where HSDPA or UMTS network coverage is not available, the AirCard 860 will connect to Cingular’s nationwide EDGE and GSM/GPRS network, which provides average data rates of 75 to 135 kbps. Ideal for frequent travelers, the AirCard 860 enables international roaming on all four EDGE and GPRS frequency bands (850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz) used worldwide.
“HSDPA technology offers significant improvements in network speed and performance for end users, and Cingular, together with Sierra Wireless, is taking a leading role in offering these benefits to customers,” said Jeff Bradley, Vice President, Business Markets for Cingular Wireless. “The increased data speed and functionality offered by the AirCard 860 and Cingular’s HSDPA network opens new mobility opportunities for users who have data-intensive needs such as accessing corporate applications or databases over a VPN while away from the office.”
“The advantages that Cingular’s network and the AirCard 860 offer to customers who need to work with information rich applications make this a compelling solution that enables true mobility,” said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “With the higher speeds that the AirCard 860 offers, along with the ability to connect to Cingular’s nationwide EDGE network outside of HSDPA coverage areas, mobile professionals no longer need to sacrifice productive time looking for hotspots or waiting for slow downloads.”
Pricing and Availability
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 is available for purchase at Cingular stores, authorized agents, and through enterprise sales channels at costs as low as $99.99 based upon a two year, unlimited Data Connect plan. Cingular’s unlimited use Data Connect rate plan is on special offer for $59.99 for qualified customers through December 31, 2005(ii). To purchase an AirCard 860, please call 1 866 429-7222 or visit cingular.com/broadbandconnect.
For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 wireless network card for HSDPA networks please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/ProductsOrdering/ac8x0.asp.
(i) Subject to network conditions.
(ii) Requires two-year contract and Cingular voice plan of $39.99 or above.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless is a leader in delivering highly differentiated wireless solutions that enable our customers to improve their productivity and lifestyle. Sierra Wireless develops and markets the AirCard, the industry-leading wireless PC card line for portable computers; embedded modules for OEM wireless applications; and the MP line of rugged vehicle-mounted connectivity solutions. For more information about Sierra Wireless please visit http://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.
