Beceem Provides 4G Chip for New Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) W801 Mobile Hotspot

New 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot from Sierra Wireless, powered by Beceem's 4G-WiMAX solution, set to launch with Sprint

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 - Beceem Communications, the leading provider of mobile WiMAX chips, and Sierra Wireless  announced today that Sierra Wireless has chosen Beceem's BCSM250 4G-WiMAX single chip solution for the new Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) W801 mobile hotspot. The AirCard W801 mobile hotspot will be unveiled today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and will be available from Sprint as the Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless, starting January 10.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard W801 mobile hotspot combines the functions of a mobile broadband modem and a portable WiFi hotspot in one device. It is a battery powered device that fits into the palm of your hand and establishes a mobile broadband connection to access the internet while using WiFi and is able to share the connection among up to five users.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard W801 is the first mobile hotspot that provides dual-mode 3G and 4G connectivity. The AirCard W801 will sense which 4G and 3G networks are available and automatically select the best connection, a key factor in providing a positive customer experience as 4G networks roll out.

"Mobile hotspots are redefining the utility of mobile broadband connections, and Sierra Wireless, a proven innovator in mobile broadband connectivity, is again driving wireless technology forward by being the first to introduce a 3G/4G dual-mode mobile hotspot," said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Sierra Wireless. "Building best-in-class products requires the selection of best-in-class components, and that made Beceem's WiMAX solution a natural choice."

"Our chips are powering every 4G-WiMAX device in the Clearwire and Sprint 'Now' networks, but none matches the unique and disruptive potential of the Sierra Wireless AirCard W801 mobile hotspot," said Lars Johnsson, Vice President of Marketing for Beceem Communications. "Working with a top tier OEM like Sierra Wireless has given us a view of the future of what mobile broadband devices can do, and we are very excited that our 4G-WiMAX solution has been selected as part of this pioneering product category."

• Visit Overdrive Forums - EVDOforums.com