Sierra Wireless Adds Multimode HSPA+ and EV-DO Module to its Award-winning AirPrime™ SL Series

Using the AirPrime SL9090 embedded wireless module, customers can address multiple operator networks with a single product design

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today introduced the AirPrime™ SL9090, a new, multimode product in its feature-rich AirPrime SL Series of compact, industrial-grade embedded wireless modules. The multimode module gives device manufacturers the ability to operate on networks that use either HSPA+ or EV-DO cellular standards with a single product design.

“Device manufacturers no longer need to commit to a single network standard at the time of production, and end customers are able to choose network providers as required to meet their service or budget needs.”

“With the AirPrime SL9090, Sierra Wireless is early-to-market with a multimode, compact module that works on both HSPA+ and EV-DO networks, providing the flexibility our customers need in building new devices,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President, M2M Embedded Solutions. “Device manufacturers no longer need to commit to a single network standard at the time of production, and end customers are able to choose network providers as required to meet their service or budget needs.”

The AirPrime SL Series is highly popular among Sierra Wireless’ customers and this new, versatile product opens up new opportunities for developers to create innovative M2M applications. The AirPrime SL9090, slated for commercial release in the fourth quarter of this year, will serve customers addressing the North American market, where both HSPA+ and EV-DO network technologies are used.

The AirPrime SL9090 is designed for use in fixed or mobile M2M deployments in the industrial, field service, energy, networking, and transportation sectors. It has design and operational characteristics that make it particularly well-suited for use in tough environments, such as the ability to withstand an extended range of temperatures, and a dual microphone design that provides high-quality audio and noise cancellation features often needed in industrial settings.

As a convenience to customers, Sierra Wireless is shipping the AirPrime SL9090 with embedded software images specific to each mobile operator that can be selected by the customer. The module uses a compact 25 x 30 mm LGA (Land Grid Array) form factor, which facilitates manufacturing for high-volume production. Additional key features include GPS and antenna diversity support.

Enterprises can deploy AirPrime SL9090-based products with confidence because the technology gives businesses the flexibility to use their preferred mobile operators when they launch services as well as the capability to seamlessly change network providers in the future if their business strategies would benefit from a network provider change.

“The flexibility to change service providers following deployment will provide a particular benefit to enterprise customers, which need robust but adaptable hardware solutions that can remain in the field for many years,” Dutronc said.

The AirPrime SL Series includes modules offering connectivity over EDGE, HSDPA, HSPA+ and EV-DO networks. The modules, based on standard 25 x 30 mm LGA (Land Grid Array) form factor, are compact and ruggedized to tolerate use in industrial environments. The connectivity options and packaging give OEMs an efficient, flexible and scalable solution. In addition to the new SL9090 module, the SL Series includes the AirPrime SL6087, which was named the “Best 2G Module” by the GSM Association in 2010, and the AirPrime SL808x, the AirPrime SL809x, and the AirPrime SL501x modules.

For more information about Sierra Wireless AirPrime embedded modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/AirPrime. Developers interested in learning more about the AirPrime SL9090 are invited to visit http://developer.sierrawireless.com/SL9090.

To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call [phone] or visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/sales.

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To view and download images of Sierra Wireless products, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/newsroom/productimages.aspx.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.

“AirPrime” is a 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.