Although Internode offers free hardware to customers who sign a two-year contract for NodeMobile Data, it also provides the option to purchase competitively-priced 3G modems with no long-term commitment.

• From today, the price of the residential E160E 3G modem drops from $149 to just $99. This device is available for free on a 24-month 3G contract.
• The professional E1762 HSDPA/HSUPA modem also drops from $199 to just $149. This device is available for just $50 on a 24-month 3G contract.

Following extensive testing, Internode has also started offering a $29.95 Panorama 3G antenna to enhance signal reception for customers who use NodeMobile Data in areas of low signal strength. Another recent enhancement for NodeMobile is the launch of static IP services.

Internode product manager Jim Kellett said the lower 3G modem prices reflected the improved strength of the Australian dollar since NodeMobile Data was launched in April. "We've had great uptake of this service since it was launched and we expect this move to accelerate its adoption," he said.

Internode's 3G NodeMobile Data service costs from $14.95 per month for the entry-level plan with a 500 megabyte data quota. The $39.95 plan offers a five-gigabyte data allowance. If customers exceed their monthly data quota, they can buy additional "data blocks" to meet their immediate needs.