Novatel Wireless, Inc., a provider of wireless data access solutions, recently announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Beida Jade Bird Huaguang Sci-Tech Co. Ltd (Jade Bird), to sell Novatel Wireless' Merlin GPRS and CDMA Wireless PC Card Modems.

Jade Bird, a leading systems integrator in China, has placed a bulk purchase order for the Merlin G301 Wireless PC Card Modem and will offer the card to operators, manufacturers, VARs, retailers, and other distributors throughout China. Jade Bird is a mobile solution provider and distributor of advanced technologies to enterprise markets in China. Jade Bird will bundle the Novatel Wireless Merlin G301 and China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC) wireless data service with major brand laptop computers for sale to small and medium sized businesses and enterprises in China.

"Our objective is to provide advanced technologies and services that meet the needs of our diverse channels," said Ms. Zhu Jun, Vice President of Jade Bird. "By selling the Merlin G301 direct to operators as well as in bundles with laptop computers from brand leaders, we are able to offer our customers the wireless mobility solution that best fits their business."

"With established industry relationships and broad distribution channels throughout mainland China, we feel that Jade Bird has the key elements to significantly increase our market penetration in China," said Peter Leparulo, chief executive officer for Novatel Wireless. "We have successfully bundled the Merlin with IBM, Dell, Toshiba and HP in North America and Europe and are pleased to partner with Jade Bird to offer complete wireless data solutions to businesses in China."