Remember the baby steps of LTE? Back in the day when just about anything that had LTE support built-in was thick and chunky? One of the most beautiful things about technology is the rapid pace that hardware's size and prices are both reduced. Case in point: Sierra Wireless recently announced its AirPrime EM7700, which will be geared towards ultrabooks and tablets. Built exclusively for AT&T's network, the AirPrime EM7700 supports 3G, HSPA+ and LTE technologies, and Sierra Wireless is billing it as the world's thinnest solution yet.

"Demand for smaller, thinner devices has continued to grow, and at the same time, we have become accustomed to being able to connect tohigh-speed networks from our gadgets anytime and anywhere," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "The AirPrime EM7700 module offers an innovative, much-needed solution for OEMs building 4G connectivity into ultra-thin devices, and we look forward to working with our customers to bring it to market in exciting new products."

Sierra Wireless did not mention price but said that it is working with OEMs to deliver tablets and other ultra-portable devices with the technology to the market later this year.
[press_start]

Sierra Wireless unveils the world's thinnest 4G LTE embedded module

At only 2.5 mm thick, the new AirPrime™ EM7700 module is ideal for tablets and ultra-portable notebooks, offering the best in portability and connectivity

Vancouver, Canada – June 7, 2012 – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today introduced the world's first thin form factor (TFF) embedded wireless module for 4G LTE networks. The AirPrime™ EM7700 embedded wireless module measures only a nominal 2.5 millimeters thick and is designed for use in ultraportable notebooks, tablets, and other devices where thinness is a critical design constraint. Shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.

Made exclusively for connecting to the AT&T 4G LTE network, the AirPrime EM7700 is based on the AirPrime MC7700 module, which was certified by AT&T last year. Designed to support Windows 8, the AirPrime EM7700 utilizes Qualcomm's Gobi™ 4G LTE modem, the MDM9200™, and is compatible with Qualcomm's computing API and the USB-IF Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) for easy integration by PC OEMs. It offers a connectorized interface to enable build-to-order logistics, allowing manufacturers to offer it as an optional add-on to their devices. The AirPrime EM7700 also supports HSPA+ on the AT&T network for use in areas where LTE is not yet available.

"Demand for smaller, thinner devices has continued to grow, and at the same time, we have become accustomed to being able to connect tohigh-speed networks from our gadgets anytime and anywhere," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "The AirPrime EM7700 module offers an innovative, much-needed solution for OEMs building 4G connectivity into ultra-thin devices, and we look forward to working with our customers to bring it to market in exciting new products."

"The Sierra Wireless AirPrime EM7700 module, powered by Qualcomm's Gobi 4G LTE modem, is a compelling solution for the new ultra-portable devices we are seeing on the market today," said Fram Akiki, senior director of product management at Qualcomm. "Consumers have become accustomed to using their portable devices like tablets and notebooks for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming media, and Qualcomm's Gobi technology is designed to provide an uncompromised mobile connectivity experience to meet their needs."

"Mobile broadband data usage is on the rise, driven in no small part by gadgets like tablets and other ultra-portable devices," said Glenn Lurie, President, Emerging Enterprises and Partnerships, AT&T Mobility. "As consumers look for devices they can carry with them and use anytime, anywhere to suit a variety of purposes, size, shape, and weight continue to be critical considerations in their buying decisions."

Sierra Wireless is working with leading OEMs to integrate the AirPrime EM7700 embedded wireless module into a variety of devices, including tablets and ultra-portable devices expected to reach the market later this year.

[press_end]