Sierra Wireless introduced new additions to the company's product portfolio for HSUPA networks - the AirCard 880U and AirCard 881U USB modems. With Sierra Wireless AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems operating on an HSUPA network, mobile data customers will be able to send email attachments, upload information, and transmit data from portable devices at speeds more than five times faster than on current HSDPA networks, up to a theoretical maximum speed of 2 megabits per second.

    This improvement in uplink speed creates opportunities for a variety of new applications involving client-generated content, such as web conferencing and live video, and for customers working over a virtual private network, the user experience is expected to significantly improve. Downlink speeds are also improved, with a theoretical maximum download speed of 7.2 Mbps.

    For use in areas where HSUPA networks are not yet available, the AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems are fully compatible with HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, and GSM network technologies on all frequencies currently used worldwide. The new AirCard HSUPA USB modems offer tri-band connectivity to mobile broadband networks worldwide and increased data speeds in a ubiquitous, simple-to-use USB interface that makes them a practical choice for customers sharing a single wireless account between computers or using their wireless service with a desktop.

    "Sierra Wireless USB modems offer versatility for customers without compromising the quality and performance they need from their mobile broadband connection," said Trent Punnett, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. "With the addition of significantly faster HSUPA technology, that connection gets even better, delivering a mobile experience that is remarkably similar to what many of our customers expect from their wired Internet service."

    To further enhance their flexibility, the AirCard 880U and 881U also offer support for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X users.The AirCard 880U is optimized for Europe and Asia, while the AirCard 881U is optimized for North America. To ensure there is always enough power support to handle peak or fringe area transmission requirements without compromising performance, the AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems also include an internal battery that supplements the power from the USB port when extra power is required.

    The AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems are the first Sierra Wireless products to be introduced with the company's TRU design features - unique innovations that improve the quality of Sierra Wireless products and provide a better user experience in real-world conditions.

TRU Design Features built into the AirCard 880U and 881U USB modems include:
    -   TRU-PowerSave: Advanced power control to reduce PC battery drain and optimize performance under variable network conditions
    -   TRU-Durability: Hardware design that exceeds industry specifications to deal with the rough-and-tumble reality of life on the road
    -   TRU-Diversity: Patent-pending antenna design that maximizes data performance for the fastest speed, strongest signal, and most stable connection possible
    -   TRU-Flow: Patent-pending architecture for data traffic management to ensure a consistent mobile broadband experience  

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