Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17

                                                                  Execution Copy

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

               This Employment Agreement ("AGREEMENT") is made and entered into
as of July 24, 2000 by and between Novatel Wireless, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY") and John Major ("EXECUTIVE").

                                    RECITALS

               WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and to enter
into an agreement embodying the terms of such employment; and

               WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept employment with the Company,
subject to the terms and provisions of this AGREEMENT;

                                    AGREEMENT

               NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the
mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are mutually acknowledged, the
Company and Executive agree as follows:

               1. Employment and Duties. During the Employment Period (as
hereinafter defined), Executive shall serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, reporting solely to the Company's Board of
Directors. The duties and responsibilities of Executive shall include the duties
and responsibilities for Executive's respective corporate offices and positions
as set forth in the bylaws of the Company and such other duties and
responsibilities as the Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD OF
DIRECTORS") may from time to time reasonably assign to Executive, in all cases
to be consistent with Executive's corporate offices and positions. At the next
meeting of the Board of Directors, Executive shall be nominated to serve as a
director of the Company, and, if elected, he shall serve in such capacity during
the Employment Period without additional compensation. Executive shall perform
faithfully the executive duties and responsibilities referred to above to the
best of his ability, on a full-time basis.

               2. Term and Termination.

                  2.1. Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective as of
the date hereof (the "EFFECTIVE DATE").

                  2.2. Employment Period. The Employment Period shall begin on
the Effective Date and end on the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the
"INITIAL TERM") or upon the expiration of any renewal period (the "EXPIRATION
DATE"), subject to renewal as hereinafter provided for, unless sooner terminated
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. So long as the Employment Period
is then in effect, and no termination notice that is then effective has
theretofore been given, the Employment Period shall automatically extend for an
additional one (1) year beyond the Expiration Date otherwise next set to occur,
unless any party gives written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least
sixty (60) calendar days prior to

<PAGE>   2

                                                                  Execution Copy

that Expiration Date. If such notice of non-renewal is given, the Employment
Period shall expire on that Expiration Date.

                  2.3. Early Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate
Executive's employment for Cause (as hereinafter defined) by giving the
Executive thirty (30) days' advance notice in writing of such termination. For
all purposes under this Agreement, the term "CAUSE" shall mean:

                  (i)       A willful failure by the Executive to substantially
                            perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement;

                  (ii)      Any willful act by Executive which constitutes gross
                            misconduct of a type and kind which is materially
                            adverse to the Company and which remains uncured by
                            Executive for five (5) calendar days following
                            Executive's receipt of such notice;

                  (iii)     A willful violation of a federal or state law, rule
                            or regulation by Executive applicable to the
                            business of the Company of a type and kind that is
                            materially adverse to the Company;

                  (iv)      A willful violation of a federal or state securities
                            law applicable to the Company; or

                  (v)       The conviction of Executive of, or entry by
                            Executive of a guilty or no contest plea to, the
                            commission of a felony.

For purposes of this Paragraph 2.3, no act, or failure to act, by Executive
shall be considered "willful" unless committed in bad faith and without a
reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the best interests of the
Company. No compensation or benefits shall be paid or provided to Executive
under this Agreement on account of a termination for Cause, or for periods
following the date when such a termination of employment is effective, except
for Base Salary to the extent already accrued. In the event Executive's
employment is terminated for Cause, Executive's rights under the benefit plans
of the Company shall be determined under the provisions of those plans. Any
waiver of notice shall be valid only if it is made in writing and expressly
refers to the applicable notice requirement of this Paragraph 2.3.

                  2.4. Early Termination for Disability. The Company may
terminate Executive's employment for Disability (as hereinafter defined) by
giving Executive thirty (30) days' advance notice in writing of such
termination. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term "DISABILITY" shall
mean a circumstance which Executive, at the time notice is given, has been
unable by reason of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness to perform
his obligations under this Agreement for a period of not less than six (6)
consecutive months. No compensation or benefits shall be paid or provided to
Executive under this Agreement on account of termination for Disability, or for
periods following the date when such a termination of employment is effective.
In the event Executive's employment is terminated on account of Disability,
Executive's rights under the benefit plans of the Company shall be determined
under the provisions of those plans. Any waiver of notice shall be valid only if
it is made in writing and expressly refers to the applicable notice requirement
of this Paragraph 2.4.

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                                                                  Execution Copy

                  2.5. Early Termination Generally. The Company may terminate
Executive's employment prior to the end of the Employment Period, but only by
giving Executive thirty (30) days' advance notice of such termination in
writing. If the Company terminates Executive's employment prior to the end of
the Employment Period pursuant to this Paragraph 2.5 for any reason other than
Cause or Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and
benefits referred to in Paragraph 12.1.1 below (subject to the terms and
conditions of said Paragraph), and Executive's rights under any applicable
benefit plans shall be determined under the provisions of those plans. Any
waiver of notice shall be valid only if it is made in writing and expressly
refers to the applicable notice requirement of this Paragraph 2.5.

                  2.6. Early Termination on Account of Death. If Executive's
employment is terminated by his death, the Company shall have no obligation to
pay or provide any compensation or benefits under this Agreement on account of
Executive's death, or for periods following Executive's death; provided,
however, that if, prior to Executive's death, Executive was entitled to receive
payments or benefits under Paragraph 12.1.1 below, then the Beneficiary (as
hereinafter defined) shall be entitled to continue to receive those payments or
benefits (subject to the terms and conditions of said Paragraph) to the same
extent that Executive would have been entitled to receive those payments or
benefits if he had not died. The rights of the Beneficiary under the benefit
plans of the Company in the event of Executive's death shall be determined under
the provisions of those plans.

                  2.7. Early Termination by Executive for Good Reason. Executive
may voluntarily elect to resign his employment with the Company prior to the end
of the Employment Period for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined) upon giving
the Company thirty (30) days' advance notice in writing of such termination. If
Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled
to receive the payments or benefits referred to in Paragraph 12.1.1 below
(subject to the terms and conditions of said Paragraph), and Executive's rights
under the benefit plans of the Company shall be determined under the provisions
of those plans. Any waiver of notice shall be valid only if it is made in
writing and expressly refers to the applicable notice requirement of this
Paragraph 2.7. For all purposes of this Agreement, the term "GOOD REASON" means
the occurrence of any one or more of the following events without, in each case,
the prior written consent of Executive thereto:

                  (i)       Any material diminution of Executive's titles,
                            responsibilities or duties with the Company;

                  (ii)      A substantial reduction, without good business
                            reasons, of the facilities and perquisites
                            (including office space and location) then available
                            to Executive;

                  (iii)     Any reduction in the Base Salary then payable to, or
                            Bonus opportunity then available to, Executive or a
                            failure by the Company to pay any such amounts when
                            due;

                  (iv)      A material reduction in the kind or level of
                            employee benefits to which Executive is then
                            entitled, with the result that Executive's overall
                            benefits package is materially reduced;

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                                                                  Execution Copy

                  (v)       The involuntary relocation of Executive to a
                            facility or location more than twenty-five (25)
                            miles from the location described in Section 3;

                  (vi)      Any purported termination by the Company of
                            Executive's employment which is not effected for
                            death, for Disability or for Cause, or any purported
                            termination by the Company of Executive's employment
                            for which the grounds relied upon therefor are not
                            valid;

                  (vii)     The failure of the Company to obtain the assumption
                            of this Agreement by its successor as required by
                            Paragraph 18 hereof;

                  (viii)    Any breach by the Company of any provision of this
                            Agreement applicable to it which is material and
                            adverse to Executive;

                  (ix)      the Company's failure to provide the Options (as
                            hereinafter defined) or the Company's material
                            breach of one or more of the stock option agreements
                            pursuant to which the Options were issued to
                            Executive;

                  (x)       the Company's failure to substantially provide any
                            material employee benefits due to be provided to
                            Executive;

                  (xi)      the Company's failure to provide in all material
                            respects the indemnification set forth in Paragraph
                            29 of this Agreement; or

                  (xii)     six (6) months immediately following a Change in
                            Control (as hereinafter defined).

Executive's continued employment during the thirty (30) day period referred to
above in this Paragraph 2.7 shall not constitute Executive's consent to, or a
waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good
Reason hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the
occurrence of any of the following:

                  (i)       The Company is merged, consolidated or reorganized
                            into or with another corporation or legal person,
                            and as a result of such merger, consolidation or
                            reorganization less than fifty percent (50%) of the
                            combined voting power of the then outstanding
                            securities of such resulting corporation or person
                            immediately after such transaction are held in the
                            aggregate by the holders of voting stock of the
                            Company immediately prior to such transaction;

                  (ii)      The Company sells or otherwise transfers all or
                            substantially all of its assets to another
                            corporation or other legal person, and as a result
                            of such sale or transfer less than fifty percent
                            (50%) of the combined voting power of the then
                            outstanding voting stock of such corporation or
                            person immediately after such sale or transfer

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                                                  Execution Copy

                            is held in the aggregate by the holders of voting
                            stock of the Company immediately prior to such sale
                            or transfer;

                  (iii)     The approval by the shareholders of the Company of a
                            complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
                            or

                  (iv)      A change in the composition of the Board of
                            Directors during any period of two (2) consecutive
                            years such that individuals who at the beginning of
                            such period were members of the Board of Directors
                            cease for any reason to constitute at least a
                            majority thereof, unless the election, or the
                            nomination for election by the Company's
                            stockholders, of each new director was approved by a
                            vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then
                            still in office who were directors at the beginning
                            of the period.

                  2.8. Early Termination by Executive for Other Than Good
Reason. Executive may voluntarily elect to resign his employment with the
Company prior to the end of the Employment Period for any reason upon One
Hundred Twenty (120) days advance written notice, and such termination shall not
in and of itself be, nor shall it be deemed to be, a breach of this Agreement..
Upon such termination, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and
benefits referred to in Paragraph 12.1.2 below.

               3. Place of Employment. The principal place of employment of
Executive shall be at the Company's executive offices in San Diego County,
California.

               4. Base Salary. For all services to be rendered by Executive
pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall pay to Executive during the
Employment Period a base salary (the "BASE SALARY") at an annual rate of not
less than Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000). The Base Salary
shall be paid in periodic installments in accordance with the Company's regular
payroll practices, subject to all applicable taxes and withholding. The Board of
Directors shall review the amount of the Base Salary at least annually as of the
payroll payment date nearest each anniversary of Effective Date and, taking into
consideration the merits of the Executive's performance, may (but shall have no
obligation to) increase the amount thereof.

               5. Bonus.

                  5.1. Beginning with the Company's 2000 fiscal year end and for
each fiscal year thereafter during the Employment Period, Executive shall be
eligible to receive an annual bonus (the "BONUS") in an amount of up to one
hundred percent (100%) of Executive's Base Salary for such fiscal year (the
"TARGET AMOUNT") based upon certain operational and financial criteria,
including revenue and profitability targets and other organizational milestones
(such criteria being hereinafter collectively referred to as the "TARGETS") as
established by the Board of Directors. The Targets for each fiscal year during
the Employment Period shall be agreed upon, not less than forty-five (45) days
prior to the beginning of such fiscal year, by Executive and a director of the
Company designated for such purpose; provided, however, that the Targets for
fiscal year 2000 shall be agreed upon within ninety (90) days following the

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                                                  Execution Copy

Effective Date. The parties acknowledge that it is their intention that the
Targets for each fiscal year shall be set at levels that are aggressive but
attainable. In the event that the Targets are not attained in any fiscal year
during the Employment Period, the Board of Directors shall award Executive a
bonus with respect to such fiscal year in an amount equal to his Base Salary
multiplied by the average percentage bonus (calculated as a percentage of their
respective maximum bonus targets) of the next three most senior officers of the
Company. The Board of Directors may (but shall have not obligation to)
institute, for the benefit of Executive, such additional bonus plans such Board
shall determine, in each case in the sole, absolute and unrestricted discretion
of such Board.

                  5.2. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Paragraph 5.3
below, the Bonus payable hereunder shall be payable in a single installment
within thirty (30) days following the date (the "DELIVERY DATE") on which
audited financial statements for the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates or
as otherwise agreed by Executive and the Board of Directors are delivered to the
Board of Directors. The Bonus shall be paid one-half in cash and one-half in the
Company's Common Stock, the number of shares being determined by the fair market
value on the Delivery Date, as determined by the Board of Directors. Any other
bonus payable hereunder shall, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Paragraph
5.3 below, be payable at such time or times as the Board of Directors, in its
sole, absolute and unrestricted direction, shall determine.

                  5.3. Executive may, by written notice provided to the Company
(a "Deferral Notice"), elect to defer the payment date with respect to some or
all of any Bonus relating to such fiscal year. Any such Deferral Notice shall be
provided to the Company prior to the start of such fiscal year and shall specify
the percentage of any such Bonus which shall be deferred and the time and manner
pursuant to which such bonus shall be paid; provided, however, that any Deferral
Notice relating to any Bonus with respect to fiscal year 2000 shall be provided
to the Company no later than thirty (30) days following the Effective Date.

               6. Stock Options.

                  6.1 Option Grants. Effective as of the Effective Date, and
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement by Executive, the Company shall
grant Executive one or more options (the "Options") to purchase an aggregate of
five percent (5%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as of the
Effective Date), on a fully-diluted basis, taking into account all options,
warrants, and convertible securities issued, authorized, or outstanding as of
the Effective Date, in any event not less than one million (1,000,000) shares of
the Company's common stock (the "Common Stock"). The Options shall be governed
by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the plan pursuant to which
they are issued.

                  6.2 ISO Treatment. The Options shall, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable tax laws, be structured to qualify as "incentive
stock options" with the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

                  6.3 Option Price. The Options shall have a per share exercise
price equal to the price at which options were last issued to other senior
officers of the Company.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                                                                  Execution Copy

                  6.4 Vesting. The Options shall vest and become exercisable in
accordance with the following schedule:

               (A) Twenty percent (20%) of the Options shall vest and become
        exercisable on the Effective Date;

               (B) Twelve and one-half percent (12-1/2%) of the Options shall
        vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the Effective
        Date, provided that Executive is then employed by the Company;

               (C) Twelve and one-half percent (12-1/2%) of the Options shall
        vest and become exercisable on the second anniversary of the Effective
        Date, provided that Executive is then employed by the Company;

               (D) Ten percent (10%) of the Options shall vest and become
        exercisable on each of the first, second, third and forth anniversary of
        the Effective Date, provided that Executive is then employed by the
        Company; and

               (E) Fifteen percent (15%) of the Options shall vest and become
        exercisable upon the earlier to occur of (1) the closing prior to
        December 31, 2000 of the sale of the Company's common stock in a firm
        commitment, underwritten public offering approved by the Company's Board
        of Directors and registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
        amended; and (2) with respect to one-half of such shares, the third
        anniversary of the Effective Date, and with respect to the remaining
        one-half of such shares, the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date,
        in both cases, provided the Executive is then employed by the Company on
        such dates.

If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than
Disability or Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason
any unvested Options shall immediately vest and become exercisable in full at
that time.

                  6.5 Change of Control. All Options not then vested shall
immediately vest and become exercisable in full at the effective time of a
Change of Control, in the event Executive is then employed by the Company.

                  6.6 Other Option Provisions. The Options shall expire on the
first to occur of:

                      6.6.1 In the event of termination of Executive's
employment by reason of Executive's death or Disability, six (6) months after
the date of such termination;

                      6.6.2 In the event of termination or expiration of
Executive's employment for any other reason (including, without limitation,
termination by Executive for Good Reason and by the Company for Cause), ninety
(90) days after the date of such termination or expiration; or

                      6.6.3 Ten (10) years from the date of grant of such
Option.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

                                                                  Execution Copy

               7. Expenses.

                  7.1. Legal Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to prompt
reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive
in connection with the negotiation and completion of this Agreement, not to
exceed $5,000; provided, however, that Executive shall properly account for such
expenses in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.

                  7.2. Ordinary Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary travel, entertainment,
and other expenses incurred by Executive during the Employment Period (in
accordance with the policies and procedures established for senior executive
officers of the Company) in the performance of his duties and responsibilities
for the Company under this Agreement; provided, however, that Executive shall
properly account for such expenses in accordance with the policies and
procedures of the Company.

               8. Employee Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period,
Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans or
programs of the Company, if any, on the same basis as other senior managers of
the Company, to the extent that his position, tenure, salary, age, health and
other qualifications make him eligible to participate, subject to the terms,
conditions, rules and regulations applicable thereto.

               9. Life Insurance. The Company shall provide Executive with a One
Million Dollar ($1,000,000) executive term life insurance policy. The
beneficiary of such policy shall be named by Executive. Upon the termination of
Executive's employment with the Company for any reason, the Company shall, upon
Executive's request, assign such life insurance to Executive, with Executive to
fully assume the obligation to maintain such life insurance after the end of the
Employment Period.

              10. Vacations and Holidays. Each year the Executive shall be
entitled to an aggregate of four (4) weeks' paid vacation, plus holidays in
accordance with the Company's policies, as amended from time to time, for senior
executive officers.

              11. Other Activities. Executive shall devote substantially all of
his working time and efforts during normal business hours to the business and
affairs of the Company and to the diligent and faithful performance of the
duties and responsibilities duly assigned to him pursuant to this Agreement,
except for vacations, holidays and absences due to illness. However, Executive
may devote a reasonable amount of his time (A) to civic, community, or
charitable activities, (B) to continue to serve as a director of other
corporations on whose boards he serves as of the Effective Date, (C) with the
prior written approval of the Board of Directors, to serve as a director of
other corporations to which he is elected for the first time after the Effective
Date and (D) to other types of business or public activities not expressly
mentioned in this Paragraph 11.

              12. Termination Benefits. In the event Executive's employment
terminates prior to the end of the Employment Period, then Executive shall be
entitled to receive severance and other benefits as follows:

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

                                                                  Execution Copy

                  12.1. Severance.

                        12.1.1. Involuntary Termination. If the Company
terminates Executive's employment for reasons other than for Disability or
Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, Executive
shall be entitled to payment in a lump sum of his Base Salary for a period of
one (1) year. If the Company terminates Executive's employment for reasons other
than Disability or Cause, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good
Reason, then the Company shall pay to Executive in a lump sum a Bonus equal to
the amount of the Bonus earned as of the date of the termination.

                        12.1.2. Other Termination. If the Company terminates
Executive's employment for reasons of Disability or Cause, or if Executive
terminates his employment for other than Good Reason, Executive shall be
entitled to receive severance and any other benefits only as may then be
established under the Company's existing severance and benefit plans and
policies at the time of such termination, subject to the terms of such plans and
policies.

                        12.1.3. Duty to Mitigate. For a period of six (6) months
immediately following any termination of Executive's employment by the Company
other than for Cause, Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of
any payment contemplated by this Agreement (whether by seeking new employment or
in any other manner).

               13. Proprietary Information. Concurrently with the execution of
this Agreement, Executive will execute and deliver to the Company the Company's
standard Employee Inventions and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreement, a copy
of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and is incorporated herein by this
reference.

               14. Non-Solicitation. Executive covenants and agrees with the
Company that during the Employment Period and for a period expiring one (1) year
after the date of termination or expiration thereof, neither Executive nor his
Controlled Affiliates (as hereinafter defined) shall solicit any employees of
the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate their employment with the
Company or its affiliates or to become employed by any firm, company or other
business enterprise with which Executive may then be connected. As used herein,
"CONTROLLED AFFILIATE" of Executive means any member of Executive's immediate
family (including, without limitation, his spouse, children, parents and
siblings) and any other person or entity which, directly or indirectly, is at
any time controlled by Executive. For purposes of this definition, "CONTROL" of
a person or entity means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such person, whether by contract or
otherwise.

               15. Non-Competition. Executive covenants and agrees with the
Company that during the Employment Period and for a period expiring one (1) year
after the date or termination or expiration thereof, neither Executive nor any
Controlled Affiliate shall, whether on his or its own behalf or on behalf of any
other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other business venture
(hereinafter, a "PERSON"), own, manage, control, participate in, consult with,
be employed by, render services for or otherwise assist in any manner any person
that is engaged in, any Business Activity (as hereinafter defined) competitive
with the Business (as hereinafter defined). Nothing herein shall prohibit
Executive or any Controlled Affiliate from being an

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

                                                                  Execution Copy

owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the equity or debt securities of any
such person, so long as Executive has no active participation (other than
exercising voting or consensual rights with respect to such interest of up to
two percent (2%)) in the business of such person. As used herein: (i) "BUSINESS
ACTIVITY," with respect to any person, means any direct or indirect primary
business activity of such person; and (ii) "BUSINESS" means, as of the date of
Executive's departure from the Company, any Business Activity engaged in by the
Company or its affiliates.

               16. No Adequate Remedy at Law.

                   16.1. Equitable Relief. In the event that Executive shall
breach any of the provisions of Paragraph 14 or 15 hereof, or in the event that
any such breach is threatened by Executive, in addition to and without limiting
or waiving any other remedies available to the Company in law or in equity, the
Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief in any court, domestic
or foreign, having the capacity to grant such relief, to restrain such breach or
threatened breach and to enforce the provisions of such Paragraphs. Executive
acknowledges that it is impossible to measure in money the damages that the
Company will sustain in the event that Executive breaches or threatens to breach
any of the provisions of such Paragraphs and, in the event that the Company
shall institute any action or proceeding to enforce those provisions seeking
injunctive relief, Executive hereby waives and agrees not to assert and shall
not use as defense thereto the claim or defense that the Company has an adequate
remedy at law. The foregoing shall not prejudice the right of the Company to
require Executive to account for and pay over to it the amount of any actual
damages incurred by the Company as a result of any such breach.

                   16.2. The parties acknowledge that (i) the provisions of
Paragraphs 14 and 15 are essential to protect the business and goodwill of the
Company, and (ii) the foregoing restrictions are under all of the circumstances
reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company and its business. If,
however, at the time of enforcement of any or such paragraphs or any other
provision of this Agreement, a court or arbitrator shall hold that the duration,
scope or area restriction or any other provision hereof is unreasonable under
circumstances now or the existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum
duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted
for the stated duration, scope or area.

               17. Right to Advice of Counsel. Executive acknowledges that he
has consulted with counsel and is fully aware of his rights and obligations
under this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the stock options, payments,
and other matters provided in this Agreement have tax consequences, that the
Company (or its counsel) has not provided any tax advice to Executive, and that
Executive is solely responsible for consulting with an accountant, legal
counsel, or other tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of this Agreement.

               18. Successors. The Company shall require any successor (whether
direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of its business and/or assets to expressly assume and agree to
perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the
Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption agreement prior to or in
connection with the effectiveness of any such succession shall constitute Good
Reason, within the meaning of Paragraph 2.7 (vii) hereof, for Executive to
terminate his employment hereunder.

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

                                                                  Execution Copy

If the Executive terminates his employment for such Good Reason, he shall be
entitled to the payments and benefits described in Paragraph 12.1.1 of this
Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of said Paragraph.

               19. Arbitration.

                   19.1. General Rule. Any dispute or controversy arising under
or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration
in San Diego, California, in accordance with the rules of the American
Arbitration Association then in effect by an arbitrator selected by the Company,
on the one hand, and Executive, on the other, within ten (10) days after any
party has notified the others in writing that it desires a dispute between them
to be settled by arbitration. In the event the parties cannot agree on such
arbitrator within such ten (10) day period, the Company, on the one hand, and
Executive, on the other, shall each select an arbitrator and inform the other
party in writing of such arbitrator's name and address within five (5) days
after the end of such 10-day period and the arbitrators so selected shall select
a third arbitrator within fifteen (15) days thereafter; provided, however, that
in the event of a failure by the Company or Executive to select an arbitrator
and notify the other party of such selection within the time period provided
above, the arbitrator selected by the other party shall be the sole arbitrator
of the dispute. The Company, on the one hand, and Executive, on the other, shall
pay their or his own expenses associated with such arbitration, including the
expense of any arbitrator selected by such party or parties and the Company
shall pay the expenses of the jointly selected arbitrator. The decision of the
arbitrator or a majority of the panel of arbitrators shall be binding upon the
parties, and judgment in accordance with that decision may be entered in any
court having jurisdiction over the parties. In the event of an arbitration or
lawsuit by either party to enforce the provisions of this Agreement following a
Change of Control, if either party prevails on any material issue which is the
subject of such arbitration or lawsuit, he or it shall be entitled to recover
from the other party the reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys' fees he or it
has incurred attributable to such issue.

                   19.2. Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each
party hereto specifically reserves the right to seek equitable remedies in a
court of competent jurisdiction.

               20. Absence of Conflict. Executive represents and warrants that
his employment by the Company as described herein shall not constitute a breach
of or conflict with and shall not be constrained by any prior employment or
consulting agreement or relationship.

               21. Assignment. This Agreement and all rights under this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by the parties hereto and their respective personal or legal representatives,
executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees, successors
and assigns. This Agreement is personal in nature, and neither of the parties to
this Agreement shall, without the written consent of the other party, assign or
transfer this Agreement or any one or more of its rights or obligations under
this Agreement to any other person or entity, except that the Company may assign
or transfer this Agreement to any successor entity as provided in Paragraph 18;
provided, that such assignment shall not relieve the assigning party of its
obligations hereunder. If Executive should die while any amounts are still
payable, or any benefits are still required to be provided to Executive
hereunder, all such

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

                                                                  Execution Copy

amounts or benefits, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid or provided
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive's devisee, legatee,
or other designee or, if there by no such designee, to Executive's estate (in
each case, a "BENEFICIARY").

               22. Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
delivered personally or sent by United States certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

               If to Executive:     John Major
                                    P.O. Box 27
                                    Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067

               With a copy to:      Mark S. Pulliam, Esq.
                                    Latham & Watkins
                                    701 B Street, Suite 2100
                                    San Diego, California 92101

               If to the Company:   Novatel Wireless, Inc.
                                    9360 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 110
                                    San Diego, California 92121-3030

or to such other address or the attention of such other persons as the recipient
party has previously furnished to the other parties in writing in accordance
with this paragraph. Such notices or other communications shall be effective
upon delivery or, if earlier, three days after they have been mailed as provided
above.

               23. Integration. This Agreement represents the entire agreement
and understanding among the parties as to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. This
Agreement and the exhibits thereto supersede all prior agreements relating to
the employment of Executive by the Company, which agreements shall terminate as
of the Effective Date. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by
duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.

               24. Waiver. Failure or delay on the part of either party hereto
to enforce any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall not be deemed to
constitute a waiver hereof. Additionally, a waiver by either party or a breach
of any promise hereof by the other party shall not operate as or be construed to
constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or promise by such other party.

               25. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

                                                                  Execution Copy

               26. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the
meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.

               27. Applicable Laws. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal substantive laws, and not the choice
of law rules, of the State of California.

               28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, none of which need contain the signature of more than one party
hereto, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which
together shall constitute a single agreement. To the maximum extent permitted by
law or by any applicable governmental authority, this Agreement may be signed
and transmitted by facsimile with the same validity as if it were an ink-signed
document.

               29. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Executive to the
fullest extent allowed by applicable law. In addition, Executive shall be
covered by the Company's officer and director liability insurance policy, which
Company agrees to obtain and keep in effect throughout the Employment Period.

               30. Section 280G. If it is determined that any payment or
distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the Company,
any of its affiliates, any person who acquires ownership or effective control of
the Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets
(within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended and the regulations thereunder) or any affiliate of such person, whether
paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise (the "Total Payments"), would be subject to the excise
tax imposed by section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with
respect to such excise tax (such excise tax and any such interest or penalties
are collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive shall be
entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Tax Restoration Payment"). The
amount of the Tax Restoration Payment shall be an amount equal to (A) fifty
percent (50%) multiplied by (B) the sum of (1) the Excise Tax imposed on the
Executive (without regard to any Excise Tax on the Tax Restoration Payment);
plus (2) any state and federal income and employment taxes imposed on a bonus
amount equal to the Excise Tax (without regard to any Excise Tax on the Tax
Restoration Payment). Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if
the Excise Tax could be avoided by reducing the Total Payments by $10,000 or
less, then the Total Payments shall be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid
the Excise Tax and no Tax Restoration Payment shall be made.

               The determination of whether the Total Payments are subject to an
Excise Tax and, if so, the amount to be paid by the Company to Executive and the
time of payment pursuant to this Paragraph 30 shall be made by an independent
auditor (the "Auditor") jointly selected by the parties and paid by the Company.
Unless Executive agrees otherwise in writing, the Auditor shall be a nationally
recognized United States public accounting firm that has not, during the two (2)
years preceding the date of its selection, acted in any way on behalf of the
Company or any of its affiliates. If the parties cannot agree on the firm to
serve as the Auditor, then the parties shall

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

                                                                  Execution Copy

each select one accounting firm and those two firms shall jointly select the
accounting firm to serve as the Auditor.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                 NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

                                 By:     /s/ AMBROSE TAM
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                 Name:    Ambrose Tam
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                 Title:   President and Chief Operating Officer
                                        ----------------------------------------

                                 EXECUTIVE

                                                 /s/ JOHN MAJOR
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                 John Major

                                       14<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
the day of 21st of August, 1996, by and between NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC., a
Delaware corporation, NOVATEL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES LTD. ("NWT"), an Alberta
corporation (NWI and NWT are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the
"Companies"), and AMBROSE TAM: (the "Executive").

                                    RECITALS

        As of the date of this Agreement:

        A. The Companies desire to employ Executive as their President and Chief
Operating Officer, and

        B. Executive desires to accept employment with the Companies, on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                                    AGREEMENT

1.      ENGAGEMENT AND TERM

        1.1 Commencing upon the effective date of this Agreement, the Companies
hereby employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such employment, to serve
in the capacity of President and Chief Operating Officer of NWI and NWT,
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive shall assume
the responsibilities, perform the duties; and exercise the powers as Chief
Operating Officer and President of the Companies, as set forth in the Companies'
respective bylaws, and such other duties as may be reasonably delegated to
Executive from time to time by the Companies' respective Boards of Directors or
Chief Executive Officers.

        1.2 Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of
each respective Company regarding the day to day operations of each Company, and
shall take direction from the Board of Directors of NWI with respect to
long-term and/or policy-related matters, such as operating policies and
strategic plans of the Companies.

        1.3 The term of this Agreement shall continue from the effective date
hereof for a period of five (5) years (the "Term"), unless sooner terminated by
the Board of Directors of NWI or Executive as herein provided.

2.      RELOCATION

        2.1 The Companies shall not require Executive to relocate from Calgary,
Alberta without Executive's written consent.

        2.2 NWI may request Executive to relocate from Calgary, Alberta, upon at
least 150 days' written notice of such request. If Executive consents to
relocate, the Companies shall reimburse him for all customary and reasonable
relocation expenses as mutually agreed upon between Executive and the Companies.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>   2

        2.3 Executive shall advise NWI's Board of Directors of his decision
regarding its relocation request no later than ninety (90) days prior to the
date by which Executive would be expected to relocate. If Executive does not
consent to relocate, NWI, at its option, may relieve Executive of his employment
with NWI without further liability or expense to NWI. However, Executive's
refusal to consent to relocate shall not constitute grounds by either party to
terminate Executive's employment as President and Chief Operating Officer of
NWT, and Executive shall continue in such position, without any reduction in
remuneration and benefits under this Agreement.

3.      REMUNERATION

        3.1 Commencing upon the effective date of this Agreement, the Companies
jointly agree to pay Executive, as basic remuneration for his services
hereunder, a fixed annual initial gross salary of no less than $187,440 (which
the Companies may increase from time to time) prorated for any period of less
than a full calendar year according to the number of days in such period. Such
compensation, including any increases, is referred to herein as Executive's
"Base Salary."

        3.2 The Base Salary under section 3.1 shall be payable in arrears by two
(2) equal monthly installments (less all applicable deductions for all taxes,
including federal, provincial, state, and local taxes; insurance; pension; and
such further and other voluntary or required withholdings or deductions) on the
middle and last business day of every month of the Term or at other times as are
normal payroll disbursement periods for the Companies.

        3.3 In addition to the Base Salary, Executive shall be entitled to an
annual performance incentive (the "Incentive") targeted to be thirty-three (33)
percent of the Base Salary, based on Executive's achievement of meeting
performance objectives for himself and the Companies as mutually established
annually by NWI's Board of Directors and Executive. In the event such
performance objectives are exceeded in any given year, the Incentive will be
adjusted upwards; in the event such performance objectives are not met in any
given year, the Incentive will be adjusted downwards. The Incentive shall be
payable within 30 days after completion of the Companies' annual financial
audit.

        3.4 In addition to the Base Salary and the Incentive, Executive shall be
entitled to an additional amount equal to five percent of Executive's Base
Salary and Incentive (or any substitute for the Incentive pursuant to paragraph
3.5), payable in normal course along with other employees into a Registered
Retirement Savings Plan established by the Companies, such contribution not to
exceed Executive's annual contribution limit.

        3.5 Upon adoption of an executive level employee performance incentive
plan by the Companies, the parties shall exercise their best efforts to
substitute such plan for the Incentive described in paragraph 33.

4.      MEMBERSHIPS

        4.1 The Companies shall reimburse Executive during the term of this
Agreement for the costs associated with joining and maintaining a membership
with the Winter Club for

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

purposes of conducting business of the Companies, not to exceed $5,500 for
initiation fees and $350 for monthly membership dues.

        4.2 At Executive's option, Executive may request that the Companies
reimburse him for the costs associated with joining and maintaining other club
memberships for purposes of conducting the Companies' business. After receipt of
such a request from Executive, the Board of Directors of NWI shall consider, in
good faith, reimbursing Executive for such costs.

        4.3 The Companies shall pay for Executive's membership in the Institute
of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the American institute of
Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), in the aggregate not to exceed an annual cost
of $500, and such further and other professional memberships during the term of
this Agreement as the Companies deem necessary or desirable from time to time.

5.      PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

        5.1 The Companies shall reimburse Executive for the cost of tuition and
other reasonable course expenses associated with an Executive MBA program in
which Executive is currently enrolled in the University of Calgary, not to
exceed $20,000. The Companies shall also reimburse Executive for other
reasonable tuition or course-related expenses approved in advance in writing by
NWI's Board of Directors.

        5.2 The Companies shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses
associated with other courses or training approved in advance in writing by
NWI's Board of Directors.

6.      TRAVEL AND EXPENSES

        6.1 The Companies shall, within 15 business days of Executive's
submission of reasonably sufficient supporting documentation (to include
receipts, bills, and sales slips) in accordance with the Companies' relevant
policies and procedures, reimburse: Executive for Executive's reasonable
business expenses (including reasonable travel expenses) actually and properly
incurred by him in the course of performing his duties for the Companies.

7.      BENEFITS

        7.1 During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all
fringe benefits and plans in or to which management employees of the Companies
may, from time to time, be entitled to participate, including, without
limitation, the following:

            (a) NWT shall make available to Executive group dental, medical,
pension (registered and unregistered), disability, and other plans from time to
time offered to other comparable executive employees.

            (b) NWT shall provide Executive with an automobile commensurate with
the office and position of Executive for his use during the Term, and shall
reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred in the maintenance of
such vehicle.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

            (c) Executive shall be entitled to an annual paid vacation in
accordance with the Companies' policy for executive level employees, including
carry forward of 14 vacation days from Executive's immediately preceding
employer.

            (d) NWT shall provide Executive with life insurance coverage in an
amount comparable to any provided from time to time by NWT to other comparable
executive employees of the Companies, but not less than twice Executive's annual
Base Salary, provided that Executive demonstrates insurability as may be
required by the Companies' insurer. Such life insurance shall be payable to
beneficiaries designated by Executive, and shall be in addition to any key
person life insurance as the Companies may require. In the event the Companies
require key person life insurance, such insurance shall be funded by the
Companies, which shall designate the beneficiaries under such policies.
Executive shall reasonably cooperate with any efforts by the Companies to obtain
such key person life insurance.

            (e) Such other benefits, if any, as the Companies may make available
to other similarly situated employees.

        7.2 For purposes of application of benefits under this section,
Executive shall be credited with his time of service with NovAtel Communications
Ltd.

8.      TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE

        In the event Executive's employment under this Agreement is terminated
without cause (as defined in paragraph 9.1), Executive shall be entitled to
$250,000, payable in two equal lump sum installments (less applicable taxes and
withholdings) on the effective date of termination and six (6) months
thereafter, plus the continuance of all benefits identified in paragraph 7 of
this Agreement for a period of 12 months.

9.      TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

        9.1 NWI's Board of Directors may terminate immediately Executive's
employment for any of the following:

            (a) Embezzlement or misappropriation of the Companies' funds by
Executive;

            (b) Executive's conviction of or plea to any criminal offense
involving fraud or dishonesty, or which is likely to injure the Companies'
business or reputation;

            (c) Intentionally or through gross negligence by Executive,
furnishing any information, reports, documents, or certificates which were false
or misleading; or

            (d) Executive's commission of a material and non-trivial breach of
the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Executive's material
neglect or failure to perform his duties hereunder.

        9.2 NWI may terminate Executive's employment if Executive's mental or
physical condition, including alcohol and/or substance abuse, renders Executive
incapable of performing his duties under this Agreement in a manner reasonably
satisfactory to NWI's Board of Directors

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

(provided such decision is not arbitrary and capricious) for a period of more
than ninety (90) days; however, the Companies shall continue to employ
Executive, without pay or other remuneration, if such employment is necessary
for the continuance of Executive's disability benefits.

        9.3 In the event Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to
section 9.1 or 9.2, Executive shall receive only his Base Salary, accrued and
unpaid Incentive or other bonus (if any), and other benefits identified in
paragraph 7 of this Agreement prorated through Executive's last day of
employment.

        9.4 NWI shall have the right to suspend Executive with full pay and
benefits for any period of time that NWI's Board of Directors deems, in the
exercise of its reasonable discretion, necessary and appropriate to investigate
Executive's conduct referred to in this section.

10.     TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE

        10.1 Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment pursuant
to this Agreement without further liability hereunder (except that Executive
shall continue to abide by the restrictions in paragraphs 14 and 16 herein) upon
the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

             (a) If either of the Companies commit a material and non-trivial
breach of the terms of this Agreement; or

             (b) If Executive gives sixty (60) days prior written notice to the
Companies.

        10.2 In the event Executive terminates his employment pursuant to
paragraph 10.1(a), he shall be entitled to: (i) $250,000, payable in two equal
lump sum installments (less applicable taxes and withholdings) on the effective
date of termination and six (6) months thereafter; (ii) the Incentive prorated
for any period of: less than a full year; and (iii) continuance of all benefits
identified in paragraph 7 of this Agreement for a period of 12 months.

        10.3 In the event Executive terminates his employment pursuant to
paragraph 10.1(b), Executive shall be entitled to receive only those payments
and benefits set forth in paragraph 9.3 of this Agreement.

11.     TERMINATION UPON DEATH

        In the event of death of Executive during the term of this Agreement
(`Including any renewal thereof), Executive's employment hereunder shall
terminate as of the date of Executive's death, and his estate or personal
representative shall be entitled to receive only those payments and benefits set
forth in paragraph 9.3 of this Agreement, prorated through the date of
Executive's death.

12.     CHANGE OF CONTROL

        12.1 For purposes of this section, a "Change of Control" means either of
the following events:

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

             (a) Any transaction or series of transactions as a result of which
any person, firm, corporation, or combination of persons, firms, or corporations
not dealing at arm's length within the meaning of the Income Tax Act [Canada]
(referred to herein as the "Successor"), acquires 50 percent or more of the
outstanding voting securities' of NWI or NWT; or

             (b) The sale of 50 percent or more of NWI's assets to any purchaser
(also, referred to herein as the "Successor") under circumstances in which the
purchaser intends to carry on all or part of the business of NWT.

        12.2 In the event of a Change of Control, the Companies shall pay
Executive a single lump sum of $125,000 (less applicable taxes and withholdings)
if Executive resigns from employment with the Companies, or the Successor within
30 days of the date of the Change of Control.

        12.3 For purposes of this section, references to NWI or NWT includes
Successors.

13.     DEFERRED PLAN

        Any payments received pursuant to paragraphs 8, 10.2, 10.3, 12.2, or
17.1 of this Agreement may, at Executive's option, be deferred as a general
indebtedness of the Companies.

14.     SECRECY AND NON-COMPETITION

        14.1 All reports, manuals, memoranda, computer disks and tapes, and
other materials created by Executive or made available to Executive by the
Companies during the performance of his duties are the sole property of the
Companies. Executive agrees to use all such property exclusively for the
Companies' benefit and to return it, including any and all copies of such
materials, to the Companies in the event of the termination of his employment.

        14.2 Executive will protect the Confidential Information of the
Companies, as defined below, from disclosure and will not divulge it, either
during or after his employment, to any person or entity not associated with the
Companies and entitled to receive such information. For purposes of this
Agreement; the term "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to,
non-public information, whether in tangible form or otherwise, concerning
technology owned by the Companies, whether a "trade secret," or patented, or
not; business and marketing plans; past; present, and prospective customer
identities, lists, credit information, and purchasing patterns; pricing and
marketing policies and practices; financial information; acquisition and
strategic plans; and other operating policies and practices.

        14.3 Executive shall not, during the term of this Agreement (including
any renewal thereof) and for a period of 12 months thereafter, directly,
indirectly, or through any other person, firm, corporation, or entity:

             (a) be employed by, carry on, consult with, or provide any
information to, any other business in competition with the Companies or any of
its subsidiaries anywhere in Canada or the United Status; or

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

             (b) call upon any client or prospective client of the Companies for
the purpose of soliciting, servicing, or selling to such client or prospective
client any products, systems, or services provided by the Companies; or

             (c) solicit, divert, or take away any client of the Companies; or

             (d) solicit any employee or consultant of the Companies to
terminate his or her relationship with the Companies, or hire or attempt to hire
any such employee or consultant to work with any entity engaged in competition
with the Companies.

        Such restrictions survive this Agreement regardless (of whether
Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by the Companies with or without
cause, or by Executive for any reason.

        14.4 Executive represents and agrees that he has read and understands
this Secrecy and Non-Competition part of the Agreement and that he is entering
into this Agreement voluntarily.

        14.5 If any portion of this "Secrecy and Non-Competition" section shall
be determined to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the parties to this
Agreement authorize the court to modify it to the maximum extent necessary to
make this section enforceable; however, if the court for any reason declines to
modify this section, the parties agree to select and authorize a mutually
agreeable arbitrator to modify it to the extent necessary to make the provision
enforceable, and authorize a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce this
section, as so modified.

        14.6 Executive understands that if he violates this Secrecy and
Non-Competition agreement, the Companies will suffer irreparable harm for which
there is no adequate remedy at law; therefore, in addition to any other remedies
available to the Companies, the Companies shall be entitled to seek and obtain
injunctive relief, including orders prohibiting violations of this Secrecy and
Non-Competition agreement. The failure by the Companies to insist on Executive's
compliance with this provision or enforce in any particular circumstance will
not constitute a waiver by the Companies of the right to seek relief for any
other or subsequent breach of this provision.

15.     DUTIES

        15.1 Executive shall, during the term of this Agreement, devote
substantially all of his time and attention to the businesses of the Companies,
and shall fully and faithfully perform, to the best of his abilities, all duties
reasonably assigned to him by the Companies' respective CEOs and Boards of
Directors.

        15.2 Subject to section 15.1, Executive shall be entitled to (i) invest
in any business, enterprise, or undertaking, directly or indirectly, for his own
account or on behalf of or in conjunction with any person, firm, or corporation
(or, with the written consent of NWI's Board of Directors, serve as an officer,
director, or partner in the same, provided that such service does not involve
participating in the ongoing operations of the business, enterprise, or
undertaking, and appropriate liability coverage is maintained), or (ii) engage
in, endorse, or associate himself with any political, religious, or charitable
activities, organizations, or associations. With regard to any of the foregoing
activities, Executive shall refrain from any activity which might interfere

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

with the performance of his obligations and duties under this Agreement or give
rise to a conflict of interest.

        15.3 The Companies agree to indemnify and hold a harmless against all
costs, charges, expenses, suits, actions, causes of action, loss add damages,
including any amount paid to settle any action or satisfy any Judgment,
reasonably mired by Executive as a result of any civil, criminal, or
administrative action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of any
act or failure to act in the course and scope of his employment with the
Companies, provided:

             (a) The act or omission was in good faith, non-negligent, and for
the sole benefit of the Companies; and

             (b) In the case of a criminal or administrative action or
proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for
believing his conduct was lawful.

        The indemnity contained in this section shall extend final the effective
date of this Agreement to a date which is ten (l0) years following the date and
which Executive ceases to be employed by the Companies. The Companies shall
acquire reasonable and proper insurance to enable them to satisfy their
obligations herein.

16.     ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS

        16.1 Any and all inventions, discoveries, developments, designs, and/or
improvements, whether or not patentable (collectively, "Inventions"), and any
and all works of authorship, whether or not copyrightable (collectively,
"Works"), and air and all trademarks, servicemarks, trade names, and service
names (collectively, "Marks"), conceived, developed, or reduced to practice,
alone or with others, or `caused to be conceived, developed, or reduced to
practice, during Executive's term of employment with the Companies and either.

             (a) resulting from any work performed by Executive for the
Companies; or

             (b) relating to the actual, contemplated, or foreseeable business
of the Companies; or

             (c) during Executive's working hours for the Companies or utilizing
the Companies' facilities, materials, or proprietary information, .

will be and remain the sole and exclusive intellectual property of the
Companies. Executive agrees to and hereby assigns all tight, title, and interest
in and to each Invention, Work (including copyrights therein), and Mark to the
Companies, free of any compensation to Executive beyond the compensation paid to
Executive as an employee of the Companies.

        16.2 It will be presumed, absent presentation of sufficient evidence to
the Companies to satisfactorily rebut the presumption, that all Inventions,
Works, and Marks conceived, made, or reduced to practice, or prepared or
developed (as the case may be) by Executive, alone or with others, in the six
month period immediately following Executive's term of employment with the
Companies, which relate to the actual, contemplated, or foreseeable business of
the Companies, were made ding the term of employment of Executive with the
Companies.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

        16.3 Executive will promptly make full written disclosure to the
Companies and to hold in trust for the sole right, benefit, and use of the
Companies, all inventions, Works, and Marks. Upon the Companies' request,
whether dazing or after the term of Executive's employment with the Companies,
Executive will cooperate with the Companies' intellectual property counsel to
prepare, review, execute, acknowledge, and deliver such applications) for the
protection of the Invention, Work, or Mark, as the case may be, as the Companies
may deem necessary or desirable to secure such protection, will assist the
Companies or its counsel in the prosecution of each such application, and will
execute such documents as the Companies or its counsel may deem necessary or
desirable to perfect the assignment of all right, title, and interest in and to
the respective Invention, Work, or Mark throughout the world to the Companies,
including the tight to file application(s) for protection in all countries in
the world, and to file for continuations, renewals, extensions, reissues,
registrations, and foreign counterparts, and maintenance thereof, and will
reasonably cooperate with the Companies in defending the validity or
enforceability of such protection. All of these acts will be performed on the
undemanding that the Companies will bear the reasonable and necessary expenses
actually incurred for performance of these acts, and, if performed after the
period of employment, that the Companies will pay Executive pro-rata at the per
diem rate of pay Executive last received in their employ, for the time actually
and necessarily spent for or in connection with the acts.

        16.4 Executive agrees that any copyrights in work produced by him during
his term of employment with the Companies which relate to past, present, or
foreseeable business products, developments, technology, or activities of the
Companies shall be the sole property of the Companies and Executive hereby
waives any and all of his "moral rights" pertaining to any of the Works
constituting the sole property of the Companies.

17.     RENEWAL of TlLE AGREEMENT

        No later than ninety (90) days before the expiration of the term of this
Agreement, the parties agree to exercise their reasonable best efforts to
conclude a new employment agreement. If the parries are unable to reach such an
agreement and Executive resigns, then Executive is entitled to, and the
Companies shall provide to Executive: (i) $ 250,000, payable in two equal
installments (less applicable taxes and withholdings) on the effective date of
termination and six (6) months thereafter, and (ii) all benefits identified in
paragraph 7 for a period of twelve (12) months following the expiration of this
Agreement.

18.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        The Companies represent and warrant to Executive that they:

        (a) Are corporations duly incorporated, organized, validly existing, and
in good standing under the laws of Delaware (NWI) and Alberta (NWT)-

        (b) Have full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement which constitutes its legal, valid, and binding obligations
enforceable in accordance with its terms and

        (c) Are licensed to do business in all Jurisdictions in which they
presently carry on their business.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

19.     INITIAL CAPITALIZATION AND THE COMPANIES' OPTION TO REPURCHASE STOCK

        19.1 The parties understand and agree that Executive is eligible to
purchase 40,930 common stock shares in NWI at $1/share (U.S. Dollars) for
$40,930 (U.S. Dollars) and that Executive will not be eligible to purchase
shares pursuant to the offering of the $2,500,000 (U.S. Dollars) of "Follow-on
Shares" to the "Initial Investors," as those terms are defined in the Series A
Convertible Stock Purchase Agreement, notwithstanding that such subsequent
equity infusion will dilute Executive's interest in the: Companies.

        19.2 Subject to the rights granted in various agreements between the
Companies and their preferred and common stock shareholders, Executive hereby
grants to NWI the exclusive right and option to purchase all shares of stock in
the Companies held by Executive in the event Executive's employment with the
Companies ceases pursuant to paragraphs 9.1 or 10.1(b) of this Agreement, upon
the terms and conditions set forth in paragraph 193. The Companies may elect to
exercise this option at any time within sixty (60) days after Executive's
employment with the Companies ceases by giving Executive written notice of such
election.

        19.3 The price per share for Executive's stock in the Companies shall be
as follows:

             (a) If Executive's employment ceases pursuant to paragraph 9.1:
$1(U.S. Dollars) per share.

             (b) If Executive's employment ceases pursuant to paragraph 10.1(b),
the appraised value as determined by a mutually acceptable business appraiser.

20.     GOVERNING LAW

        This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the province of Alberta, Canada without regard to
the conflicts of laws principles of such province.

21.     PARAGRAPH HEADINGS

        The paragraph headings in this Agreement are for convenience only they
form no part of this Agreement and shall not affect its interpretation.

22.     INVALIDITY

        The provisions of this Agreement are independent of and severable from
each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or
unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of
them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.

23.     EFFECTIVE DATE

        This Agreement shall be effective as of the closing of the purchase
agreement for the PCP assets presently owned by NovAtel Communications Ltd: and
execution of related shareholder agreements.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

24.     INCLUDED WORDS

        Words importing the singular number include the plural and vice versa.
Where a term of expression is defined, derivations shall have corresponding
meanings.

25.     BINDING EFFECT

        This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors
and assigns.

26.     ENTIRE AGREEMENT

        This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties
hereto with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company, and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, with respect to
said employment. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an
agreement in writing.

27.     CONSTRUCTION

        The parties hereto acknowledge; and agree that each part y bas
participated in the drafting of this Agreement and has had the opportunity to
have this document reviewed by the respective legal counsel for the parties
hereto and that the normal rule of construction to the effect that any
ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be applied
to the interpretation of this Agreement No inference is favor of, or against,
any party shall be draws from the fact that one party bas drafted any portion
hereof.

28.     CURRENCY

        Except as otherwise specifically stated herein, all references in this
Agreement to dollars shall be to Canadian dollars.

29.     NOTICES

        All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered in person, or foe (5)
business days after being mailed postage prepaid, registered with return receipt
requested, addressed as follows:

                             a.     If to the Companies:

                                    NWI
                                    6732 8 Street N.E.
                                    Calgary, Alberta _
                                    Canada T2E 8M4

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

                             b.     If to Executive:

                                    Mr: Ambrose Tam
                                    325 Edgewiew Place N .W.
                                    Calgary, Alberta
                                    Canada T3A 4X4

        Either party slay aster the address to which communications or copies
are to be sent by goring notice of such change of address in conformity with the
provisions of this paragraph for the giving of notice.

30.     NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS

        Neither any failure nor any delay on the part of either party to
exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the
same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of
any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect any occurrence be construed
as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect two any other
occurrence.

31.     EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS

        This Agreement map be executed in any amber of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be as original as against any party whose signature
appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same
instrument: This Agreement shall become binding when one or mere counterparts
hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of the parries
reflected hereon as the signatories.

32.     ARBITRATION

        Any dispute or disagreement awing out of this Agreement or claimed
breach, except that which involves a right to injunctive relief, shall be
resolved by arbitration is accordance with the Arbitration Act [Alberta], unless
the parties mutually agree otherwise. The award of the arbitrator shall be final
and binding, and judgment may be catered upon the Arbitrator's decision in any
court of competent jurisdiction.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals as
of the ______ day of ___________, 1996.

SIGNED, SEALER & DELIVERED in the presence of:

_____________________________________          /s/ AMBROSE TAM
Witness                                        ---------------------------------
                                               AMBROSE TAM
_____________________________________
Name

_____________________________________
Place of Residence

NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.                         NOVATEL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Per:/s/                                        Per:/s/
    --------------------------------               -----------------------------

Per:________________________________           Per:_____________________________

                                      -13-

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00015-of-00352.parquet"}]]