Australia based operator, Telstra has launched a promotion offering a free laptop computer to customers who sign up for a HSDPA capable USB modem subscription. Several UK retail outlets have been running similar promotions for the past year.

Executive Director Telstra Business, Cathy Aston, says "Since Telstra switched on the Next G™ network in 2005 more people are taking their work with them wherever they go where there is mobile coverage - it's estimated more than three million Australians are now mobile workers,"

The Telstra Next G™ laptop promotion includes a laptop for $0 upfront (to the value of $700), a Telstra Turbo 3 Series device that plugs straight into a laptop and a 1GB data allowance per month for $99 per month for  - subject to a three-year contract.

The offer is available to Telstra Business customers.