Wavecom Enables GSM/GPRS Functionality in CompactFlash Form Factor

"Wireless Voice and Data for Handhelds Available Through Pretec CompactGPRS Card
Issy-les-Moulineaux, France and Orlando, FL - March 18, 2002
Wavecom, Inc., subsidiary of Wavecom S.A. (Nasdaq: WVCM; Nouveau March: 7306), a leading developer of digital wireless standard modules (WISMO), today announced that its WISMO Quik Q2400 module is integrated into Pretec Electronic Corp. new CompactGPRS^TM card. The technological offering gives handheld devices the capability of handling wireless voice and data communications over GSM/GPRS networks. The CompactGPRS^TM card is shown at Wavecom booth (Hall 27, Stand F15) and Pretec booth (Hall 19, Stand A02) at CeBIT, March 13-20, Hanover, Germany. The product will also be displayed at Wavecom booth (#553) at CTIA Wireless 2002, March 18-20, Orlando, Florida.

"ISMO Quik is the most integrated GSM/GPRS module commercially available in the world, and that really fit our needs", said Gordon Yu, president of Pretec. "Our partnership with Wavecom now allows us to extend our pioneering and broad lineup of CompactFlash^TM memory and I/O cards to the GSM/GPRS markets."

The very thin and light WISMO Quik Q2400 is ideal for applications where board thickness is critical. The CompactGPRS^TM card is a great example of a new application made possible by our cutting-edge technology, commented Hany Neoman, Wavecom chief operating officer in the U.S.

Using Wavecom WISMO Quik module, Pretec CompactGPRS^TM card provides Pocket PCs and handheld devices with multi-band GSM/GPRS connectivity for voice and data (900/1900 MHz for use in the U.S., Europe, and Asia; 900/1800 MHz for use exclusively in Europe and Asia), turning PDAs into a database-rich mobile phone device.

Pretec expects to begin shipping the CompactGPRS^TM card bundled with BVRP software in the second quarter of this year to major IT companies and mass merchandisers around the world.
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