NOVATEL WIRELESS INC
EXHIBIT 10.1
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a74385ex10-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 10.1
<TEXT>
<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                             BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

        This Agreement dated as of June 28, 2001, is between Bank of America,
N.A. (the "Bank") and Novatel Wireless, Inc. (the "Borrower").

1. LINE OF CREDIT AMOUNT AND TERMS

        1.1 Line of Credit Amount.

                (a) During the availability period described below, the Bank
        will provide a line of credit to the Borrower. The amount of the line of
        credit (the "Commitment") is Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00).

                (b) This is a revolving line of credit providing for cash
        advances and letters of credit. During the availability period, the
        Borrower may repay principal amounts and reborrow them.

                (c) The Borrower agrees not to permit the outstanding principal
        balance of advances under the line of credit plus the outstanding
        amounts of any letters of credit, including amounts drawn on letters of
        credit and not yet reimbursed, to exceed the Commitment.

        1.2 Availability Period. The line of credit is available between the
date of this Agreement and July 1, 2002, or such earlier date as the
availability may terminate as provided in this Agreement (the "Expiration
Date").

        1.3 Interest Rate.

                (a) Unless the Borrower elects an optional interest rate as
        described below, the interest rate is a rate per year equal to the
        Bank's Prime Rate minus one and one quarter (1.25) percentage points.

                (b) The Prime Rate is the rate of interest publicly announced
        from time to time by the Bank as its Prime Rate. The Prime Rate is set
        by the Bank based on various factors, including the Bank's costs and
        desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is
        used as a reference point for pricing some loans. The Bank may price
        loans to its customers at, above, or below the Prime Rate. Any change in
        the Prime Rate shall take effect at the opening of business on the day
        specified in the public announcement of a change in the Bank's Prime
        Rate.

        1.4 Repayment Terms.

                (a) The Borrower will pay interest on August 1, 2001, and then
        monthly thereafter until payment in full of any principal outstanding
        under this line of credit.

                (b) The Borrower will repay in full all principal and any unpaid
        interest or other charges outstanding under this line of credit no later
        than the Expiration Date. Any



                                      -1-
<PAGE>   2

        interest period for an optional interest rate (as described below) shall
        expire no later than the Expiration Date.

        1.5 Optional Interest Rates. Instead of the interest rate based on the
Bank's Prime Rate, the Borrower may elect the optional interest rates listed
below during interest periods agreed to by the Bank and the Borrower. The
optional interest rates shall be subject to the terms and conditions described
later in this Agreement. Any principal amount bearing interest at an optional
rate under this Agreement is referred to as a "Portion." The following optional
interest rates are available:

                (a) the IBOR Rate plus one and three quarters (1.75) percentage
        points.

        1.6 Letters of Credit.

                (a) This line of credit may be used for financing:

                        (i) commercial letters of credit with a maximum maturity
                of 180 days but not to extend beyond the Expiration Date. Each
                commercial letter of credit will require drafts payable at
                sight.

                        (ii) standby letters of credit with a maximum maturity
                of 360 days but not to extend beyond the Expiration Date.
                Standby letters of credit shall not include any provision for
                automatic renewal or extension of the maturity date.

                (b) The Borrower agrees:

                        (i) any sum drawn under a letter of credit may, at the
                option of the Bank, be added to the principal amount outstanding
                under this Agreement. The amount will bear interest and be due
                as described elsewhere in this Agreement.

                        (ii) if there is a default under this Agreement, or if
                any letter of credit remains outstanding beyond the Expiration
                Date, to immediately prepay and make the Bank whole for any
                outstanding letters of credit.

                        (iii) the issuance of any letter of credit and any
                amendment to a letter of credit is subject to the Bank's written
                approval and must be in form and content satisfactory to the
                Bank and in favor of a beneficiary acceptable to the Bank.

                        (iv) to sign the Bank's form Application and Agreement
                for Commercial Letter of Credit or Application and Agreement for
                Standby Letter of Credit, as applicable.

                        (v) to pay any issuance and/or other fees that the Bank
                notifies the Borrower will be charged for issuing and processing
                letters of credit for the Borrower.



                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

                        (vi) to allow the Bank to automatically charge its
                checking account for applicable fees, discounts, and other
                charges.

                        (vii) to pay the Bank a non-refundable fee equal to
                1.75% per annum of the outstanding undrawn amount of each
                standby letter of credit, payable quarterly in advance,
                calculated on the basis of the face amount outstanding on the
                day the fee is calculated. If there is a default under this
                Agreement, at the Bank's option, the amount of the fee shall be
                increased to 4.75% per annum, effective starting on the day the
                Bank provides notice of the increase to the Borrower.

2. OPTIONAL INTEREST RATES

        2.1 Optional Rates. Each optional interest rate is a rate per year.
Interest will be paid on the last day of each interest period, and, if the
interest period is longer than one month, then on the last day of each month
during the interest period. At the end of any interest period, the interest rate
will revert to the rate based on the Prime Rate, unless the Borrower has
designated another optional interest rate for the Portion. No Portion will be
converted to a different interest rate during the applicable interest period.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default under this Agreement, the Bank may
terminate the availability of optional interest rates for interest periods
commencing after the default occurs.

        2.2 IBOR Rate. The election of IBOR Rates shall be subject to the
following terms and requirements:

                (a) The interest period during which the IBOR Rate will be in
        effect will be no shorter than 30 days and no longer than 90 days. The
        last day of the interest period will be determined by the Bank using the
        practices of the offshore dollar inter-bank market.

                (b) Each IBOR Rate Portion will be for an amount not less than
        One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

                (c) The "IBOR Rate" means the interest rate determined by the
        following formula, rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of one percent.
        (All amounts in the calculation will be determined by the Bank as of the
        first day of the interest period.)

                       IBOR Rate =            IBOR Base Rate
                                      ---------------------------
                                      (1.00 - Reserve Percentage)

        Where,

                        (i) "IBOR Base Rate" means the interest rate at which
                the Bank's Grand Cayman Banking Center, Grand Cayman, British
                West Indies, would offer U.S. dollar deposits for the applicable
                interest period to other major banks in the offshore dollar
                inter-bank market.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

                        (ii) "Reserve Percentage" means the total of the maximum
                reserve percentages for determining the reserves to be
                maintained by member banks of the Federal Reserve System for
                Eurocurrency Liabilities, as defined in Federal Reserve Board
                Regulation D, rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of one
                percent. The percentage will be expressed as a decimal, and will
                include, but not be limited to, marginal, emergency,
                supplemental, special, and other reserve percentages.

                (d) Each prepayment of an IBOR Rate Portion, whether voluntary,
        by reason of acceleration or otherwise, will be accompanied by the
        amount of accrued interest on the amount prepaid, and a prepayment fee
        as described below. A "prepayment" is a payment of an amount on a date
        earlier than the scheduled payment date for such amount as required by
        this Agreement.

                (e) The prepayment fee shall be equal to the amount (if any) by
        which:

                        (i) the additional interest which would have been
                payable during the interest period on the amount prepaid had it
                not been prepaid, exceeds

                        (ii) the interest which would have been recoverable by
                the Bank by placing the amount prepaid on deposit in the
                domestic certificate of deposit market, the eurodollar deposit
                market, or other appropriate money market selected by the Bank
                for a period starting on the date on which it was prepaid and
                ending on the last day of the interest period for such Portion
                (or the scheduled payment date for the amount prepaid, if
                earlier).

                (f) The Bank will have no obligation to accept an election for
        an IBOR Rate Portion if any of the following described events has
        occurred and is continuing:

                        (i) Dollar deposits in the principal amount, and for
                periods equal to the interest period, of an IBOR Rate Portion
                are not available in the offshore dollar inter-bank market; or

                        (ii) the IBOR Rate does not accurately reflect the cost
                of an IBOR Rate Portion.




                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

        3.1 Fees.

                (a) Loan fee. The Borrower agrees to pay a loan fee in the
        amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). This fee is due on or
        before the date of this Agreement.

                (b) Unused commitment fee. The Borrower agrees to pay a fee on
        any difference between the Commitment and the amount of credit it
        actually uses, determined by the weighted average credit outstanding
        during the specified period. The fee will be calculated at 0.10% per
        year. The calculation of credit outstanding shall include he undrawn
        amount of letters of credit.

        This fee is due on September 30, 2001, and quarterly thereafter until
        the expiration of the availability period.

                (c) Waiver Fee. If the Bank, at its discretion, agrees to waive
        or amend any terms of this Agreement, the Borrower will, at the Bank's
        option, pay the Bank a fee for each waiver or amendment in an amount
        advised by the Bank at the time the Borrower requests the waiver or
        amendment. Nothing in this paragraph shall imply that the Bank is
        obligated to agree to any waiver or amendment requested by the Borrower.
        The Bank may impose additional requirements as a condition to any waiver
        or amendment.

                (d) Late Fee. To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower
        agrees to pay a late fee in an amount not to exceed four percent (4%) of
        any payment that is more than fifteen (15) days late. The imposition and
        payment of a late fee shall not constitute a waiver of the Bank's rights
        with respect to the default.

        3.2 Expenses. The Borrower agrees to immediately repay the Bank for
expenses that include, but are not limited to, filing, recording and search fees
and documentation fees.

        3.3 Reimbursement Costs. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Bank for
any expenses it incurs in the preparation of this Agreement and any agreement or
instrument required by this Agreement. Expenses include, but are not limited to,
reasonable attorneys' fees, including any allocated costs of the Bank's in-house
counsel.

4. COLLATERAL

        4.1 Personal Property. The Borrower's obligations to the Bank under this
Agreement will be secured by personal property the Borrower now owns or will own
in the future as listed below. The collateral is further defined in security
agreement(s) executed by the Borrower.

                (a) Bank of America time deposits in an amount not less than Ten
        Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00).



                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

5. DISBURSEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND COSTS

        5.1 Requests for Credit. Each request for an extension of credit will be
made in writing in a manner acceptable to the Bank, or by another means
acceptable to the Bank.

        5.2 Disbursements and Payments.

                (a) Each payment by the Borrower will be made at the Bank's
        banking center (or other location) selected by the Bank from time to
        time; and will be made in immediately available funds, or such other
        type of funds selected by the Bank.

                (b) Each disbursement by the Bank and each payment by the
        Borrower will be evidenced by records kept by the Bank. In addition, the
        Bank may, at its discretion, require the Borrower to sign one or more
        promissory notes.

        5.3 Telephone and Telefax Authorization.

                (a) The Bank may honor telephone or telefax instructions for
        advances or repayments or for the designation of optional interest rates
        and telefax requests for the issuance of letters of credit given, or
        purported to be given, by any one of the individuals authorized to sign
        loan agreements on behalf of the Borrower, or any other individual
        designated by any one of such authorized signers.

                (b) Advances will be deposited in and repayments will be
        withdrawn from the Borrower's account number 14504-09078, or such other
        of the Borrower's accounts with the Bank as designated in writing by the
        Borrower.

                (c) The Borrower will indemnify and hold the Bank harmless from
        all liability, loss, and costs in connection with any act resulting from
        telephone or telefax instructions the Bank reasonably believes are made
        by any individual authorized by the Borrower to give such instructions.
        This paragraph will survive this Agreement's termination, and will
        benefit the Bank and its officers, employees, and agents.

        5.4 Direct Debit (Pre-Billing).

                (a) The Borrower agrees that the Bank will debit the Borrower's
        deposit account number 14504-09078, or such other of the Borrower's
        accounts with the Bank as designated in writing by the Borrower (the
        "Designated Account") on the date each payment of principal and interest
        and any fees from the Borrower becomes due (the "Due Date").

                (b) Approximately 10 days prior to each Due Date, the Bank will
        mail to the Borrower a statement of the amounts that will be due on that
        Due Date (the "Billed Amount"). The calculation will be made on the
        assumption that no new extensions of credit or payments will be made
        between the date of the billing statement and the Due Date, and that
        there will be no changes in the applicable interest rate.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

                (c) The Bank will debit the Designated Account for the Billed
        Amount, regardless of the actual amount due on that date (the "Accrued
        Amount"). If the Billed Amount debited to the Designated Account differs
        from the Accrued Amount, the discrepancy will be treated as follows:

                        (i) If the Billed Amount is less than the Accrued
                Amount, the Billed Amount for the following Due Date will be
                increased by the amount of the discrepancy. The Borrower will
                not be in default by reason of any such discrepancy.

                        (ii) If the Billed Amount is more than the Accrued
                Amount, the Billed Amount for the following Due Date will be
                decreased by the amount of the discrepancy.

        Regardless of any such discrepancy, interest will continue to accrue
        based on the actual amount of principal outstanding without compounding.
        The Bank will not pay the Borrower interest on any overpayment.

                (d) The Borrower will maintain sufficient funds in the
        Designated Account to cover each debit. If there are insufficient funds
        in the Designated Account on the date the Bank enters any debit
        authorized by this Agreement, the Bank may reverse the debit.

        5.5 Banking Days. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, a banking
day is a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial
banks are authorized to close, or are in fact closed, in the state where the
Bank's lending office is located, and, if such day relates to amounts bearing
interest at an offshore rate (if any), means any such day on which dealings in
dollar deposits are conducted among banks in the offshore dollar interbank
market. All payments and disbursements which would be due on a day which is not
a banking day will be due on the next banking day. All payments received on a
day which is not a banking day will be applied to the credit on the next banking
day.

        5.6 Taxes.

                (a) If any payments to the Bank under this Agreement are made
        from outside the United States, the Borrower will not deduct any foreign
        taxes from any payments it makes to the Bank. If any such taxes are
        imposed on any payments made by the Borrower (including payments under
        this paragraph), the Borrower will pay the taxes and will also pay to
        the Bank, at the time interest is paid, any additional amount which the
        Bank specifies as necessary to preserve the after-tax yield the Bank
        would have received if such taxes had not been imposed. The Borrower
        will confirm that it has paid the taxes by giving the Bank official tax
        receipts (or notarized copies) within thirty (30) days after the due
        date.



                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

        5.7 Additional Costs. The Borrower will pay the Bank, on demand, for the
Bank's costs or losses arising from any statute or regulation, or any request or
requirement of a regulatory agency which is applicable to all national banks or
a class of all national banks. The costs and losses will be allocated to the
loan in a manner determined by the Bank, using any reasonable method. The costs
include the following:

                (a) any reserve or deposit requirements; and

                (b) any capital requirements relating to the Bank's assets and
        commitments for credit.

        5.8 Interest Calculation. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement,
all interest and fees, if any, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
and the actual number of days elapsed. This results in more interest or a higher
fee than if a 365-day year is used. Installments of principal which are not paid
when due under this Agreement shall continue to bear interest until paid.

        5.9 Default Rate. Upon the occurrence of any default under this
Agreement, principal amounts outstanding under this Agreement will at the option
of the Bank bear interest at a rate which is 3 percentage point(s) higher than
the rate of interest otherwise provided under this Agreement. This will not
constitute a waiver of any default.

        5.10 Interest Compounding. At the Bank's sole option in each instance,
any interest, fees or costs which are not paid when due under this Agreement
shall bear interest from the due date at the Bank's Prime Rate plus 3 percentage
points. This may result in compounding of interest.

6. CONDITIONS

        The Bank must receive the following items, in form and content
acceptable to the Bank, before it is required to extend any credit to the
Borrower under this Agreement:

        6.1 Authorizations. Evidence that the execution, delivery and
performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and any instrument or agreement
required under this Agreement have been duly authorized.

        6.2 Governing Documents. A copy of the Borrower's articles of
incorporation.

        6.3 Security Agreements. Signed original security agreements,
assignments, which the Bank requires.

        6.4 Perfection and Evidence of Priority. Financing statements and
fixture filings (and any collateral in which the Bank requires a possessory
security interest), together with evidence that the security interests and liens
in favor of the Bank are valid, enforceable, and prior to all others' rights and
interests, except those the Bank consents to in writing.



                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

        6.5 Insurance. Evidence of insurance coverage, as required in the
"Covenants" section of this Agreement.

        6.6 Good Standing. Certificates of good standing for the Borrower from
its state of formation and from any other state in which the Borrower is
required to qualify to conduct its business.

        6.7 Payment of Fees. Payment of all accrued and unpaid expenses incurred
by the Bank as required by the paragraph entitled "Reimbursement Costs."

        6.8 Other Items. Any other items that the Bank reasonably requires.

7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        When the Borrower signs this Agreement, and until the Bank is repaid in
full, the Borrower makes the following representations and warranties. Each
request for an extension of credit constitutes a renewal of these
representations and warranties as of the date of the request:

        7.1 Organization of Borrower. The Borrower is a corporation duly formed
and existing under the laws of the state where organized.

        7.2 Authorization. This Agreement, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder, are within the Borrower's powers, have been duly authorized,
and do not conflict with any of its organizational papers.

        7.3 Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding
agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
its terms, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder, when executed and
delivered, will be similarly legal, valid, binding and enforceable.

        7.4 Good Standing. In each state in which the Borrower does business, it
is properly licensed, in good standing, and, where required, in compliance with
fictitious name statutes.

        7.5 No Conflicts. This Agreement does not conflict with any law,
agreement, or obligation by which the Borrower is bound.

        7.6 Financial Information. All financial and other information that has
been or will be supplied to the Bank is sufficiently complete to give the Bank
accurate knowledge of the Borrower's (and any guarantor's) financial condition,
including all material contingent liabilities. Since the date of the most recent
financial statement provided to the Bank, there has been no material adverse
change in the business condition (financial or otherwise), operations,
properties or prospects of the Borrower (or any guarantor).



                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

        7.7 Lawsuits. There is no lawsuit, tax claim or other dispute pending or
threatened against the Borrower which, if lost, would impair the Borrower's
financial condition or ability to repay the loan, except as have been disclosed
in writing to the Bank.

        7.8 Collateral. All collateral required in this Agreement is owned by
the grantor of the security interest free of any title defects or any liens or
interests of others, except those which have been approved by the Bank in
writing.

        7.9 Permits, Franchises. The Borrower possesses all permits,
memberships, franchises, contracts and licenses required and all trademark
rights, trade name rights, patent rights and fictitious name rights necessary to
enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged.

        7.10 Other Obligations. The Borrower is not in default on any obligation
for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease,
commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

        7.11 Tax Matters. The Borrower has no knowledge of any pending
assessments or adjustments of its income tax for any year and all taxes due have
been paid[, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank.

        7.12 No Tax Avoidance Plan. The Borrower's obtaining of credit from the
Bank under this Agreement does not have as a principal purpose the avoidance of
U.S. withholding taxes.

        7.13 No Event of Default. There is no event which is, or with notice or
lapse of time or both would be, a default under this Agreement.

        7.14 Insurance. The Borrower has obtained, and maintained in effect, the
insurance coverage required in the "Covenants" section of this Agreement.

        7.15 ERISA Plans.

                (a) Each Plan (other than a multiemployer plan) is in compliance
        in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the
        Code and other federal or state law. Each Plan has received a favorable
        determination letter from the IRS and to the best knowledge of the
        Borrower, nothing has occurred which would cause the loss of such
        qualification. The Borrower has fulfilled its obligations, if any, under
        the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each
        Plan, and has not incurred any liability with respect to any Plan under
        Title IV of ERISA.

                (b) There are no claims, lawsuits or actions (including by any
        governmental authority), and there has been no prohibited transaction or
        violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules, with respect to any
        Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a
        material adverse effect.



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

                (c) With respect to any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA:

                        (i) No reportable event has occurred under Section
                4043(c) of ERISA for which the PBGC requires 30-day notice.

                        (ii) No action by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to
                terminate or withdraw from any Plan has been taken and no notice
                of intent to terminate a Plan has been filed under Section 4041
                of ERISA.

                        (iii) No termination proceeding has been commenced with
                respect to a Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA, and no event has
                occurred or condition exists which might constitute grounds for
                the commencement of such a proceeding.

                (d) The following terms have the meanings indicated for purposes
        of this Agreement:

                        (i) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
                amended from time to time.

                        (ii) "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income
                Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

                        (iii) "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business
                (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the
                Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the
                Code.

                        (iv) "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty
                Corporation.

                        (v) "Plan" means a pension, profit-sharing, or stock
                bonus plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code,
                maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any ERISA
                Affiliate, including any multiemployer plan within the meaning
                of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

        7.19 Location of Borrower. The Borrower's place of business (or, if the
Borrower has more than one place of business, its chief executive office) is
located at the address listed under the Borrower's signature on this Agreement.


8. COVENANTS

        The Borrower agrees, so long as credit is available under this Agreement
and until the Bank is repaid in full:

        8.1 Use of Proceeds. To use the proceeds of the credit only for general
corporate purposes.



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

        8.2 Financial Information. To provide the following financial
information and statements in form and content acceptable to the Bank, and such
additional information as requested by the Bank from time to time:

                (a) Within 90 days of the Borrower's fiscal year end, the
        Borrower's annual financial statements. These financial statements must
        be audited (with an unqualified opinion) by a Certified Public
        Accountant acceptable to the Bank. The statements shall be prepared on a
        consolidated basis.

                (b) Within 45 days of the period's end (including the last
        period in each fiscal year), the Borrower's quarterly financial
        statements, certified and dated by an authorized financial officer of
        the Borrower. These financial statements may be Borrower prepared. The
        statements shall be prepared on a consolidated basis.

                (c) Promptly, upon sending or receipt, copies of any management
        letters and correspondence relating to management letters, sent or
        received by the Borrower to or from the Borrower's auditor, or, if no
        management letter is prepared, a letter from such auditor stating that
        no deficiencies were noted that would otherwise be addressed in a
        management letter.

                (d) Copies of the Borrower's Form 10-K Annual Report, Form 10-Q
        Quarterly Report and Form 8-K Current Report within 30 days after the
        date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                (e) Within the period(s) provided in (a) and (b) above, a
        compliance certificate of the Borrower, substantially in the form of
        Exhibit A hereto, signed by an authorized financial officer of the
        Borrower setting forth (i) the information and computations (in
        sufficient detail) to establish that the Borrower is in compliance with
        all financial covenants at the end of the period covered by the
        financial statements then being furnished and (ii) whether there existed
        as of the date of such financial statements and whether there exists as
        of the date of the certificate, any default under this Agreement and, if
        any such default exists, specifying the nature thereof and the action
        the Borrower is taking and proposes to take with respect thereto.

        8.3 Financial Covenants.

                (a) Deficit Earnings. Not incur on a consolidated basis deficit
        earnings before interest (both interest income and interest expense),
        taxes, and non-cash deferred compensation in excess of the amounts shown
        below in any quarterly accounting period indicted below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Quarter Ending                             Maximum Amount
                 --------------                             --------------
                 <S>                                        <C>
                 June 30, 2001                                $11,500,000
                 September 30, 2001                             4,500,000
                 December 31, 2001                              2,300,000
                 March 31, 2002                                 1,200,000
</TABLE>



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

                (b) Positive Earnings. Commencing with the quarter ending June
        30, 2002, maintain on a consolidated basis positive earnings before
        interest (both interest income and interest expense), taxes, and
        non-cash deferred compensation of at least Fifty Thousand Dollars
        ($50,000.00).

        8.4 Change of Control. Not to cause, permit or suffer to exist any
Change of Control of the Borrower. For the purposes hereof, "Change of Control"
means (i) each and every issue, sale, series of sales or other disposition or
purchase or series of purchases of shares of voting stock of the Borrower which
results in a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert obtaining majority
voting control or the right to elect the majority of the Board of Directors of
the Borrower, or (ii) the consolidation or merger by the Borrower with another
corporation, other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower, in a
transaction in which any of the then outstanding voting stock of the Borrower is
exchanged. For purposes hereof "Person" means an individual, partnership,
corporation, trust or unincorporated organization.

        8.5 Notices to Bank. To promptly notify the Bank in writing of:

                (a) any lawsuit over Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
        ($250,000) against the Borrower.

                (b) any substantial dispute between the Borrower and any
        government authority.

                (c) any event of default under this Agreement, or any event
        which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an event
        of default.

                (d) any material adverse change in the Borrower's business
        condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties or prospects,
        or ability to repay the credit.

                (e) any change in the Borrower's name, legal structure, place of
        business, or chief executive office if the Borrower has more than one
        place of business.

        8.6 Books and Records. To maintain adequate books and records.

        8.7 Compliance with Laws. To comply with the laws (including any
fictitious name statute), regulations, and orders of any government body with
authority over the Borrower's business.

        8.8 Preservation of Rights. To maintain and preserve all rights,
privileges, and franchises the Borrower now has.

        8.9 Maintenance of Properties. To make any repairs, renewals, or
replacements to keep the Borrower's properties in good working condition.



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

        8.10 Perfection of Liens. To help the Bank perfect and protect its
security interests and liens, and reimburse it for related costs it incurs to
protect its security interests and liens.

        8.11 Cooperation. To take any action reasonably requested by the Bank to
carry out the intent of this Agreement.

        8.12 General Business Insurance.

                (a) To maintain insurance satisfactory to the Bank as to amount,
        nature and carrier covering property damage (including loss of use and
        occupancy) to any of the Borrower's properties, public liability
        insurance including coverage for contractual liability, product
        liability, workers' compensation, business interruption and any other
        insurance which is usual for the Borrower's business.

                (b) Evidence of Insurance. Upon the request of the Bank, to
        deliver to the Bank a copy of each insurance policy, or, if permitted by
        the Bank, a certificate of insurance listing all insurance in force.

        8.13 Additional Negative Covenants. Not to, without the Bank's written
consent:

                (a) engage in any business activities substantially different
        from the Borrower's present business.

                (b) liquidate or dissolve the Borrower's business.

                (c) voluntarily suspend its business for more than 7 days in any
        30 day period.

        8.14 Bank as Principal Depository. To maintain the Bank as its principal
depository bank, including for the maintenance of business, cash management,
operating and administrative deposit accounts.

        8.15 ERISA Plans. With respect to a Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA,
to give prompt written notice to the Bank of:

                (a) The occurrence of any reportable event under Section 4043(c)
        of ERISA for which the PBGC requires 30-day notice.

                (b) Any action by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to
        terminate or withdraw from a Plan or the filing of any notice of intent
        to terminate under Section 4041 of ERISA.

                (c) The commencement of any proceeding with respect to a Plan
        under Section 4042 of ERISA.



                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15

9. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

        9.1 Indemnity Regarding Hazardous Substances. The Borrower will
indemnify and hold harmless the Bank from any loss or liability the Bank incurs
in connection with or as a result of this Agreement, which directly or
indirectly arises out of the use, generation, manufacture, production, storage,
release, threatened release, discharge, disposal or presence of a hazardous
substance. This indemnity will apply whether the hazardous substance is on,
under or about the Borrower's property or operations or property leased to the
Borrower. The indemnity includes but is not limited to attorneys' fees
(including the reasonable estimate of the allocated cost of in-house counsel and
staff). The indemnity extends to the Bank, its parent, subsidiaries and all of
their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, attorneys and assigns.

        9.2 Definition of Hazardous Substances. "Hazardous substances" means any
substance, material or waste that is or becomes designated or regulated as
"toxic," "hazardous," "pollutant," or "contaminant" or a similar designation or
regulation under any federal, state or local law (whether under common law,
statute, regulation or otherwise) or judicial or administrative interpretation
of such, including without limitation petroleum or natural gas. This indemnity
will survive repayment of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank.

10. DEFAULT

        If any of the following events occurs, the Bank may do one or more of
the following: declare the Borrower in default, stop making any additional
credit available to the Borrower, and require the Borrower to repay its entire
debt immediately and without prior notice. If an event of default occurs under
the paragraph entitled "Bankruptcy," below, with respect to the Borrower, then
the entire debt outstanding under this Agreement will automatically be due
immediately.

        10.1 Failure to Pay. The Borrower fails to make a payment under this
Agreement when due.

        10.2 Lien Priority. The Bank fails to have an enforceable first lien
(except for any prior liens to which the Bank has consented in writing) on or
security interest in any property given as security for this Agreement (or any
guaranty).

        10.3 False Information. The Borrower or any guarantor or any party
pledging collateral to the Bank (each an "Obligor") has given the Bank false or
misleading information or representations.

        10.4 Bankruptcy. The Borrower (or any Obligor) files a bankruptcy
petition, a bankruptcy petition is filed against the Borrower (or any Obligor)
or the Borrower (or any Obligor) makes a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors

        10.5 Receivers. A receiver or similar official is appointed for a
substantial portion of the Borrower's (or any Obligor's) business, or the
business is terminated.



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

        10.6 Government Action. Any government authority takes action that the
Bank believes materially adversely affects the Borrower's (or any Obligor's)
financial condition or ability to repay.

        10.7 Material Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs, or is
reasonably likely to occur, in the Borrower's (or any Obligor's) business
condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties or prospects, or
ability to repay the credit.

        10.8 Cross-default. Any default occurs under any agreement in connection
with any credit the Borrower (or any Obligor) has obtained from anyone else or
which the Borrower (or any Obligor) has guaranteed in the amount of Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($500,000) or more in the aggregate if the default is not cured
within thirty (30) days if the default consists of failing to make a payment
when due or gives the other lender the right to accelerate the obligation.

        10.9 Default under Related Documents. Any default occurs under any
guaranty, subordination agreement, security agreement, deed of trust, mortgage,
or other document required by or delivered in connection with this Agreement or
any such document is no longer in effect, or any guarantor purports to revoke or
disavow the guaranty.

        10.10 Other Bank Agreements. The Borrower (or any Obligor) fails to meet
the conditions of, or fails to perform any obligation under any other agreement
the Borrower (or any Obligor) has with the Bank or any affiliate of the Bank.

        10.11 ERISA Plans. Any one or more of the following events occurs with
respect to a Plan of the Borrower subject to Title IV of ERISA, provided such
event or events could reasonably be expected, in the judgment of the Bank, to
subject the Borrower to any tax, penalty or liability (or any combination of the
foregoing) which, in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Borrower:

                (a) A reportable event shall occur under Section 4043(c) of
        ERISA with respect to a Plan.

                (b) Any Plan termination (or commencement of proceedings to
        terminate a Plan) or the full or partial withdrawal from a Plan by the
        Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

        10.12 Other Breach Under Agreement. The Borrower fails to meet the
conditions of, or fails to perform any obligation under, any term of this
Agreement not specifically referred to in this Article. This includes any
failure or anticipated failure by the Borrower to comply with any financial
covenants set forth in this Agreement, whether such failure is evidenced by
financial statements delivered to the Bank or is otherwise known to the Borrower
or the Bank



                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17

11. ENFORCING THIS AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS

        11.1 GAAP. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all financial
information provided to the Bank and all financial covenants will be made under
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.

        11.2 California Law. This Agreement is governed by California law.

        11.3 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on the Borrower's
and the Bank's successors and assignees. The Borrower agrees that it may not
assign this Agreement without the Bank's prior consent. The Bank may sell
participations in or assign this loan, and may exchange financial information
about the Borrower with actual or potential participants or assignees; provided
that such actual or potential participants or assignees shall agree to treat all
financial information exchanged as confidential. If a participation is sold or
the loan is assigned, the purchaser will have the right of set-off against the
Borrower.

        11.4 Arbitration and Waiver of Jury Trial.

                (a) This paragraph concerns the resolution of any controversies
        or claims between the Borrower and the Bank, whether arising in
        contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies
        or claims that arise out of or relate to: (i) this Agreement (including
        any renewals, extensions or modifications); or (ii) any document related
        to this Agreement (collectively a "Claim").

                (b) At the request of the Borrower or the Bank, any Claim shall
        be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal
        Arbitration Act (Title 9, U. S. Code) (the "Act"). The Act will apply
        even though this Agreement provides that it is governed by the law of a
        specified state.

                (c) Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance
        with the Act, the applicable rules and procedures for the arbitration of
        disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof ("JAMS"), and the terms of
        this paragraph. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this
        paragraph shall control.

                (d) The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted
        in any U. S. state where real or tangible personal property collateral
        for this credit is located or if there is no such collateral, in
        California. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator; however,
        if Claims exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), upon the request of
        any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All
        arbitration hearings shall commence within ninety (90) days of the
        demand for arbitration and close within ninety (90) days of commencement
        and the award of the arbitrator(s) shall be issued within thirty (30)
        days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator(s), upon a
        showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up
        to an additional sixty (60) days. The arbitrator(s) shall provide a
        concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration
        award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed
        and enforced.



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18

                (e) The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether
        any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss
        the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the
        statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules
        of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any
        dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is
        arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s)
        shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this
        Agreement.

                (f) This paragraph does not limit the right of the Borrower or
        the Bank to: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited
        to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure against
        any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or
        power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim
        remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of
        possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary
        remedies.

                (g) The procedure described above will not apply if the Claim,
        at the time of the proposed submission to arbitration, arises from or
        relates to an obligation to the Bank secured by real property. In this
        case, both the Borrower and the Bank must consent to submission of the
        Claim to arbitration. If both parties do not consent to arbitration, the
        Claim will be resolved as follows: The Borrower and the Bank will
        designate a referee (or a panel of referees) selected under the auspices
        of JAMS in the same manner as arbitrators are selected in JAMS
        administered proceedings. The designated referee(s) will be appointed by
        a court as provided in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638
        and the following related sections. The referee (or the presiding
        referee of the panel) will be an active attorney or a retired judge. The
        award that results from the decision of the referee(s) will be entered
        as a judgment in the court that appointed the referee, in accordance
        with the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 644
        and 645.

                (h) The filing of a court action is not intended to constitute a
        waiver of the right of the Borrower or the Bank, including the suing
        party, thereafter to require submittal of the Claim to arbitration.

                (i) By agreeing to binding arbitration, the parties irrevocably
        and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in
        respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit
        this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated,
        the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to
        a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material
        inducement for the parties entering into this Agreement.

        11.5 Severability; Waivers. If any part of this Agreement is not
enforceable, the rest of the Agreement may be enforced. The Bank retains all
rights, even if it makes a loan after default. If the Bank waives a default, it
may enforce a later default. Any consent or waiver under this Agreement must be
in writing.



                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19

        11.6 Administration Costs. The Borrower shall pay the Bank for all
reasonable costs incurred by the Bank in connection with administering this
Agreement.

        11.7 Attorneys' Fees. The Borrower shall reimburse the Bank for any
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank in connection with the
enforcement or preservation of any rights or remedies under this Agreement and
any other documents executed in connection with this Agreement, and in
connection with any amendment, waiver, "workout" or restructuring under this
Agreement. In the event of a lawsuit or arbitration proceeding, the prevailing
party is entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in
connection with the lawsuit or arbitration proceeding, as determined by the
court or arbitrator. In the event that any case is commenced by or against the
Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any similar
or successor statute, the Bank is entitled to recover costs and reasonable
attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank related to the preservation, protection, or
enforcement of any rights of the Bank in such a case. As used in this paragraph,
"attorneys' fees" includes the allocated costs of the Bank's in-house counsel.

        11.8 One Agreement. This Agreement and any related security or other
agreements required by this Agreement, collectively:

                (a) represent the sum of the understandings and agreements
        between the Bank and the Borrower concerning this credit;

                (b) replace any prior oral or written agreements between the
        Bank and the Borrower concerning this credit; and

                (c) are intended by the Bank and the Borrower as the final,
        complete and exclusive statement of the terms agreed to by them.

        event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements
        required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail.

        11.9 Waiver of Confidentiality. The Borrower authorizes the Bank to
discuss the Borrower's financial affairs and business operations with any
accountants, auditors, business consultants, or other professional advisors
employed by the Borrower, and authorizes such parties to disclose to the Bank
such financial and business information or reports (including management
letters) concerning the Borrower as the Bank may request.

        11.10 Indemnification. The Borrower will indemnify and hold the Bank
harmless from any loss, liability, damages, judgments, and costs of any kind
relating to or arising directly or indirectly out of (a) this Agreement or any
document required hereunder, (b) any credit extended or committed by the Bank to
the Borrower hereunder, and (c) any litigation or proceeding related to or
arising out of this Agreement, any such document, or any such credit. This
indemnity includes but is not limited to attorneys' fees (including the
allocated cost of in-house counsel). This indemnity extends to the Bank, its
parent, subsidiaries and all of their directors, officers, employees, agents,
successors, attorneys, and assigns. This indemnity will



                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20

survive repayment of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank. All sums due to the
Bank hereunder shall be obligations of the Borrower, due and payable immediately
without demand.

        11.11 Notices. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or in another
agreement between the Bank and the Borrower, all notices required under this
Agreement shall be personally delivered or sent by first class mail, postage
prepaid, or by overnight courier, to the addresses on the signature page of this
Agreement, or sent by facsimile to the fax numbers listed on the signature page,
or to such other addresses as the Bank and the Borrower may specify from time to
time in writing. Notices and other communications sent by (a) first class mail
shall be deemed delivered on the earlier of actual receipt or on the fourth
business day after deposit in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, (b) overnight
courier shall be deemed delivered on the next business day, and (c) telecopy
shall be deemed delivered when transmitted.

        11.12 Headings. Article and paragraph headings are for reference only
and shall not affect the interpretation or meaning of any provisions of this
Agreement.

        11.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in as many
counterparts as necessary or convenient, and by the different parties on
separate counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an
original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same
agreement.

This Agreement is executed as of the date stated at the top of the first page.


Bank of America, N.A.                       Novatel Wireless, Inc.


By: /s/ Susan J. Pepping                    By:  /s/ Dan L. Halvorson
   -------------------------------             ---------------------------------
Typed Name: Susan J. Pepping                Typed Name: Dan L. Halvorson
           -----------------------                     -------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President                Title: Treasurer
      ----------------------------                ------------------------------


                                            By: /s/ Melvin L. Flowers
                                               ---------------------------------
                                            Typed Name:  Melvin L. Flowers
                                                       -------------------------
                                            Title: Senior Vice President and CFO
                                                  ------------------------------




                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21

Address where notices to                    Address where notices to
the Bank are to be sent:                    the Borrower are to be sent:
450 B Street, Suite 100                     9360 Towne Center Drive, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92101                         San Diego, CA 92121
Facsimile: (619) 515-7524                   Facsimile: 858/812-3414




                                      -21-

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
