Sierra Wireless has recently introduced the AirCard 501 and the AirCard 502 ExpressCard modems for HSPA mobile broadband networks, offering download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps. Both modems sport a durable internal antenna design that includes no moving parts and extends a mere three centimeters (1 1/8 inches) from the ExpressCard slot. In addition, both devices offer backward compatibility with UMTS, EDGE and GSM networks; and both come with the Sierra Wireless TRU-Install software installation utility that makes installation a snap.
As for the differences, the first of the two modems supports 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz HSPA frequency bands — while the other one sings along 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz frequencies.
Commercial shipments of the AirCard 501 ExpressCard are scheduled for later this month, while the AirCard 502 ExpressCard will start selling during Q1 2009… More information about new HSPA cards is available on Sierra Wireless’ website.