Sierra Wireless today introduced the AirCard 501 and the AirCard 502 ExpressCard modems for HSPA mobile broadband networks. The AirCard 501 and AirCard 502 ExpressCards offer top download speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps, allowing.

With a durable internal antenna design that includes no moving parts and extends a mere three centimeters (1 1/8 inches) from the ExpressCard slot. The AirCard 501 supports the 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz HSPA frequency bands that are commonly used on HSPA networks worldwide, while the AirCard 502 supports the 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz frequency bands and will be targeted toward specific markets requiring 900 MHz band support. Both modems are backward compatible with UMTS, EDGE and GSM networks around the world, providing users with the flexibility to roam.

Commercial shipments of the AirCard 501 ExpressCard are scheduled for later this month. Availability of the AirCard 502 ExpressCard is planned for the first quarter of 2009.