Telstra to launch new 3G modem for bush

Australians in regional areas are set to benefit from new, faster modem technology available later this year.

Telstra is set to launch a new USB 3G modem which will enable the doubling of data speeds over the Next-G network.

Telstra CEO David Thodey said that 100 regional towns and cities including Albury, Alice Springs, Orange, Broome, Ballarat, Roxby Downs, Port Lincoln and Newcastle will benefit from the device.

'Telstra will make the technology available in the selected regional towns and cities at the same time as many capital cities, underlining our commitment to provide the best technology to Australians no matter where they live,' Mr Thodey said.

The Telstra Ultimate USB is up to twice as fast as the top-of-the-range 3G modem currently available.

Mr Thodey made the announcement in a speech to community leaders in Albury to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Telstra Country Wide, which was launched in June 2000.