Sierra preps Compass 597 EVDO Rev. A modem

Sierra Wireless has announced a new USB cellular modem, the Compass 597. The modem is meant for EVDO Revision A networks, and can theoretically hit download speeds of up to 3.1Mbps, or uploads as fast as 1.8Mbps. The modem is also said to be the smallest USB model Sierra produces, and despite this have a built-in GPS antenna, as well as enough room for memory expansion through a microSD slot.

Where internal reception is not enough, the modem allows the attachment of an external antenna for improved signal quality. The 597 is expected to ship in the second quarter of the year; pricing has yet to be publicly disclosed though, along with any carriers that might put it on resale.