Vodafone announced the availability of its Mobile Connect USB Modem in the UK. The new version of the 3G broadband data card is designed especially for users of the latest generation of laptops and Apple MacBooks, allowing customers to access 3G broadband by simply plugging it into the USB slot on their computer.

"Following our first to market launch of 3G broadband services in June this year, this device is a direct response to demand from users of the latest generation of laptops, who'd also like to be using 3G broadband," said Kyle Whitehill, Director of Vodafone UK's Enterprise Business Unit. "The new, easy to install, Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem, ensures that all Vodafone customers, regardless of their choice of computer, are able to access 3G broadband services."

The Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem offers download speeds of around 1.4Mbps and joins Vodafone's wireless products range which includes 3G data card, built-in laptop technology and the 3G broadband wireless router. Vodafone provides its 3G services to all major cities and towns across the UK and plans to upgrade its network to 3G broadband by the summer of 2007.

The service is also available in other countries, including Australia, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. When outside of 3G broadband coverage, customers will automatically be able to access the web using Vodafone's existing 3G and GPRS services.