A pair of USB modems for High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) networks offer tri-band connectivity and faster data speeds to mobile broadband networks worldwide. The AirCard 880U and AirCard 881U from Sierra Wireless support both Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, and 2000) and Mac OS X (view the modemshere). Theoretically the modems are more than five times that of current High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) networks at a maximum transmit speed of 2 Mbits/s. Downlink speeds are also improved with a theoretical maximum of 7.2 Mbits/s. For use in areas where HSUPA networks are not available, the modems are fully compatible with HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, and GSM network technologies on all frequencies in use. The AirCard 880U is optimized for Europe, and Asia and the AirCard 881U is optimized for North America.

The modems incorporate Sierra Wireless’ TRU design features:

-- 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.

Commercial shipments are expected to begin this month. For more information, go to www.sierrawireless.com.