Sierra Wireless Launches Aircard 860 3G Wireless Card for HSDPA Networks

Sierra Wireless is introducing the Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 3G wireless wide area network (WWAN) card for HSDPA networks, making it available through Cingular in the U.S 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 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.

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.