Telstra unveils BYO iPad 3G plans

Telstra has unveiled its 3G mobile iPad data plans starting at $20 a month on the eve of Apple taking orders for its lusted-after device.

The announcement is the first from an Australian carrier and comes a day after Apple revealed the device would be available in shops from May 28 starting at $629 inc GST (3G versions start at $799). The Californian consumer electronics maker will take orders from tomorrow.

Telstra is breaking with its standard business practice and falling into line with US carrier AT&T in offering plans without a contract on a pay-as-you-go, month-to-month basis.

A $30 pre-paid SIM kit comes with 1GB of data although iPad buyers who sign on before June 30 will get an extra 2GB of traffic in the first month, Telstra said.

Source: Telstra

Telstra will sell the kits through most of its shops and some partners but it won't sell the devices, it said.

The mobile carrier said recharges were bought through Bpay or with vouchers from Telstra shops and retailers.