SC 13D

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT

TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO

§ 240.13d-2(a)

(Amendment No.  )1

Novatel Wireless, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

(Title of Class of Securities)

66987M1099

(CUSIP Number)

STEVE WOLOSKY, ESQ.

ANDREW M. FREEDMAN, ESQ.

OLSHAN FROME WOLOSKY LLP

Park Avenue Tower

65 East 55th Street

New York, New York 10022

(212) 451-2300

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person

Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

March 19, 2014

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ¨.

Note:  Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits.  See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

_______________

1              The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON COBB H. SADLER
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) x
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS PF
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER 79,900
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER - 0 -
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 79,900
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 79,900
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) Less than 1%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON EDWARD T. SHADEK
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) x
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS PF
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER 1,773,164
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER - 0 -
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 1,773,164
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 1,773,164
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 5.2%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN

3

CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON ROBERT ELLSWORTH
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) x
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS OO
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER 818,388
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER - 0 -
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 818,388
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 818,388
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 2.4%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN

4

CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON ALEX MASHINSKY
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) x
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS PF
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER 68,200
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER - 0 -
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 68,200
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 68,200
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) Less than 1%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN

5

CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

1	NAME OF REPORTING PERSON RICHARD A. KARP
2	CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP		(a) o   (b) x
3	SEC USE ONLY
4	SOURCE OF FUNDS
5	CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)		¨
6	CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH	7	SOLE VOTING POWER - 0 -
	8	SHARED VOTING POWER - 0 -
	9	SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
	10	SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER - 0 -
11	AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON - 0 -
12	CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES		o
13	PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 0%
14	TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).

Item 1. Security and Issuer.

This statement relates to the Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Shares”), of Novatel Wireless, Inc. (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 9645 Scranton Road, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92121.

Item 2. Identity and Background.

(a) This statement is filed by:

(i) Cobb H. Sadler;

(ii) Edward T. Shadek;

(iii) Robert Ellsworth;

(iv) Alex Mashinsky; and

(v) Richard A. Karp.

Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.”  Each of the Reporting Persons is party to that certain Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement, as further described in Item 6.  Accordingly, the Reporting Persons are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.

(b)           The principal business address of Mr. Sadler is c/o Catamount Strategic Advisors LLC, 101 California St., 41st Fl., San Francisco, CA 94111.  The principal business address of Mr. Shadek is 73 Ledgeways, Wellesley, MA 02481.  The principal business address of Mr. Ellsworth is 2437 Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.  The principal business address of Mr. Mashinsky is 210 East 68th Street, Apt. 13C, New York, NY 10065. The principal business address of Mr. Karp is c/o TicTran Corp., 849-B Independence Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043.

(c)           The principal occupation of Mr. Sadler is serving as Managing Partner of Catamount Strategic Advisors LLC.  The principal occupation of Mr. Shadek is serving as a money manager.  The principal occupation of Mr. Ellsworth is serving as Founder and Principal of Rue-Ell Enterprises, Inc.  The principal occupation of Mr. Mashinsky is serving as Managing Director of Governing Dynamics.  The principal occupation of Mr. Karp is serving as a private investor.

(d)           No Reporting Person has during the last five years been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

(e)           No Reporting Person has during the last five years been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

(f)           Messrs. Sadler, Shadek, Ellsworth, Mashinsky and Karp are citizens of the United States of America.

Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

The Shares purchased by each of Messrs. Sadler, Shadek, and Mashinsky were purchased with personal funds in the open market.  The aggregate purchase price of the 79,900 shares owned directly by Mr. Sadler is approximately $269,897, including brokerage commissions.  The aggregate purchase price of the 1,773,164 shares owned jointly by Mr. Shadek and his wife is approximately $6,373,719, including brokerage commissions.  The aggregate purchase price of the 68,200 shares owned directly by Mr. Mashinsky is approximately $147,396, excluding brokerage commissions.

The aggregate purchase price of the 818,388 Shares that are held in a living trust (the “Trust”), of which Mr. Ellsworth is the sole trustee, is approximately $1,714,617, including brokerage commissions.  Such Shares were acquired with the Trust’s working capital. 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.  Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase or sale of Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase or decrease their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase or sale of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable. 

The Reporting Persons are disappointed with the continued poor financial and operational performance of the Issuer and believe that a change in the composition of the Board is necessary to improve shareholder value.  On March 6, 2014, Mr. Sadler delivered a nomination letter to the Issuer signed by Cede & Co., as the record holder of the Shares owned by Mr. Sadler (the “Nomination Letter”), nominating Messrs. Karp and Mashinsky (the “Nominees”) for election to the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”) at the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2014 Annual Meeting”).

No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur upon or in connection with completion of, or following, any of the actions discussed herein.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis.  Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, continuing to engaging in communications with management and the Board, engaging in discussions with stockholders of the Issuer and others about the Issuer and the Reporting Persons’ investment, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization, ownership structure, board structure (including board composition) or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares, or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

(a)           The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 34,313,204 Shares outstanding as of March 14, 2014, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as reported in the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2014.

As of the close of business on March 19, 2014, Mr. Sadler directly owned 79,900 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.

As of the close of business on March 19, 2014, Mr. Shadek and his wife jointly owned 1,773,164 Shares, constituting approximately 5.2% of the Shares outstanding.

As of the close of business on March 19, 2014, 818,388 Shares were held in the Trust, of which Mr. Ellsworth is the sole trustee, constituting approximately 2.4% of the Shares outstanding.

As of the close of business on March 19, 2014, Mr. Mashinsky directly owned 68,200 Shares, constituting less than 1% of the Shares outstanding.

An aggregate of 2,739,652 Shares, constituting approximately 8.0% of the Shares outstanding, are reported in this Schedule 13D.

(b)           Mr. Sadler has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares owned directly by him.  Mr. Shadek has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares owned jointly by him and his wife.  Mr. Ellsworth has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares held in the Trust.  Mr. Mashinsky has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares owned directly by him.

Each Reporting Person, as a member of a “group” with the other Reporting Persons for the purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the Shares directly owned by the other Reporting Persons.  Each Reporting Person disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares except to the extent of his or its pecuniary interest therein.

(c)           The transactions in the Shares by the Reporting Persons during the past 60 days are set forth on Schedule A and are incorporated herein by reference.

(d)           No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.

(e) Not applicable.

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

On March 19, 2014, the Reporting Persons entered into a Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement in which, among other things, (a) the Reporting Persons agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer, (b) the Reporting Persons agreed to solicit proxies or written consents for the election of the Nominees at the 2014 Annual Meeting (the “Solicitation”), and (c) Messrs. Shadek and Ellsworth agreed to bear all expenses incurred in connection with the Solicitation, including approved expenses incurred by any of the parties in connection with the Solicitation, subject to certain limitations.   The Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

Other than as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.

Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

99.1 Joint Filing and Solicitation Agreement by and among Messrs. Sadler, Shadek, Ellsworth, Mashinsky and Karp, dated March 19, 2014.

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CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: March 19, 2014

/s/ Cobb H. Sadler

COBB H. SADLER

/s/ Edward T. Shadek

EDWARD T. SHADEK

/s/ Robert Ellsworth

ROBERT ELLSWORTH

/s/ Alex Mashinsky

ALEX MASHINSKY

/s/ Richard A. Karp

RICHARD A. KARP

11

CUSIP NO. 66987M1099

SCHEDULE A

Transactions in the Shares During the Past 60 Days

Shares of Common Stock Purchased/(Sold) Price Per Share($) Date of Purchase/(Sale)

Alex Mashinsky

200	2.5800	03/05/2014
68,000	2.1600	03/07/2014

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

JOINT FILING AND SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

This Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of March 19, 2014, by and among Cobb H. Sadler, Edward T. Shadek, Robert Ellsworth, Alex Mashinsky and Richard A. Karp (each a “Party” and, collectively, the “Parties” or “Novatel Shareholders for Change”).

WHEREAS, certain of the Parties are stockholders, direct or beneficial, of Novatel Wireless, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”);

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to form a group for the purpose of (i) seeking representation on the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company (including any other meeting of stockholders held in lieu thereof, and any adjournments, postponements, reschedulings or continuations thereof, the “2014 Annual Meeting”), (ii) taking all other action necessary to achieve the foregoing and (iii) taking any other actions Novatel Shareholders for Change determines to undertake in connection with their respective investment in the Company.

NOW, IT IS AGREED, by the Parties hereto:

1.           In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), each of the undersigned agrees to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D, and any amendments thereto, with respect to the securities of the Company.  Each member of Novatel Shareholders for Change shall be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of his own disclosure therein, and is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information concerning the other member, unless such member has actual knowledge that such information is inaccurate.

2.           So long as this Agreement is in effect, each of the undersigned shall provide written notice to Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP (“Olshan”) of (i) any of their purchases or sales of securities of the Company, or (ii) any securities of the Company over which they acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership, provided, however, that each Party agrees not to purchase or sell securities of the Company or otherwise increase or decrease his economic exposure to or beneficial ownership over the securities of the Company if he reasonably believes that, as a result of such action, Novatel Shareholders for Change or any member thereof would be likely to be required to make any regulatory filing (including, but not limited to, a Schedule 13D amendment, Form 3 or Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)) without using his reasonable efforts to give the other members of Novatel Shareholders for Change at least 24 hours prior written notice; provided, further, that while this Agreement is in force, neither Party shall engage in any transactions in securities of the Company without the prior consent of the other Party.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “beneficial ownership” shall have the meaning of such term set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

3.           Each of the undersigned agrees to form Novatel Shareholders for Change for the purposes of (i) seeking representation on the Board at the 2014 Annual Meeting, (ii) taking such other actions as the Parties agree are deemed advisable and (iii) taking all other action that the Parties agree are necessary, incidental or advisable to achieve the foregoing.

4.           Messrs. Shadek and Ellsworth shall have the right to pre-approve all expenses incurred in connection with Novatel Shareholders for Change’s activitiesset forth in Section 3 and agree to pay all such expenses equally among them.

5.           Any SEC filing, press release, communication to the Company or communication to other stockholders proposed to be made or issued by Novatel Shareholders for Change or any member of Novatel Shareholders for Change in connection with Novatel Shareholders for Change’s activities set forth in Section 3 shall be first approved by each of Messrs. Sadler, Shadek and Ellsworth.  Each Party shall have a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any such SEC filing, press release or communication, or any proposed agreement or negotiating position with respect to the Company.  The Parties hereby agree to work in good faith to resolve any disagreement that may arise between or among any of the members of Novatel Shareholders for Change concerning decisions to be made, actions to be taken or statements to be made in connection with Novatel Shareholders for Change’s activities.  The Parties further agree to work in good faith with respect to decisions relating to the content and timing of public or private communications and negotiating positions taken on behalf of Novatel Shareholders for Change.

6.           Each of the Parties hereto agrees to cooperate with the others in the preparation and filing of any SEC filing, press release, shareholder communication or other document or matter relating to Novatel Shareholders for Change’s investments in, and activities related to, the Company and its Securities.  Each of the Parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that time is of the essence in preparing and filing such documents, and each shall use his commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other in the furnishing of data and information in order to facilitate the timely completion and filing of such documents.  It is contemplated that Olshan will assume principal responsibility for the preparation of initial drafts and the filing of such documents, subject to the prior review and approval of such documents by the Parties.

7.           The relationship of the Parties hereto shall be limited to carrying on the business of Novatel Shareholders for Change in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Such relationship shall be construed and deemed to be for the sole and limited purpose of carrying on such business as described herein.  Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any Party to act as an agent for any other Party, or to create a joint venture or partnership.  Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, nothing herein shall restrict any Party’s right to purchase or sell securities of the Company, as he deems appropriate, in his sole discretion, provided that all such sales are made in compliance with all applicable securities laws and the provisions of this Agreement.

8.           This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument, which may be sufficiently evidenced by one counterpart.

9.           In the event of any dispute arising out of the provisions of this Agreement or their investment in the Company, the Parties hereto consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York located in the Borough of Manhattan or the courts of the State of New York located in the County of New York.

10.           Any party hereto may terminate his obligations under this Agreement on 24 hours’ prior written notice to all other Parties, with a copy by fax to Steve Wolosky at Olshan, Fax No. (212) 451-2222.

11.           Each Party acknowledges that Olshan shall act as counsel for both Novatel Shareholders for Change and each of Messrs. Shadek, Ellsworth, Sadler and Mashinsky relating to their respective investments in the Company.

12.           The terms and provisions of this Agreement may not be modified, waived or amended without the written consent of each of the Parties.

13. Each Party hereby agrees that this Agreement shall be filed as an exhibit to any Schedule 13D required to be filed under applicable law pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Exchange Act.

[signature page follows]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

/s/ Cobb H. Sadler

COBB H. SADLER

/s/ Edward T. Shadek

EDWARD T. SHADEK

/s/ Robert Ellsworth

ROBERT ELLSWORTH

/s/ Alex Mashinsky

ALEX MASHINSKY

/s/ Richard A. Karp

RICHARD A. KARP