http://www.smh.com.au/news/technolog...mh=dm16.316135
Telstra offers $0 laptops ... but there's a catch
Jesse Hogan
May 21, 2008 - 1:06PM
After years of telecommununications companies luring customers with free
handsets if they sign long-term contracts, Telstra has begun what is
likely to be the next industry trend — "free" laptops.
The company has released a new plan for business customers — only those
with an ABN — which offers them a laptop and wireless broadband card at
no upfront cost if they sign a 36-month contract.
As well as the laptop, customers will get 1 gigabyte of data usage for
$99 a month, although they must also pay 30 cents for each additional
megabyte downloaded over their monthly quota.
Telstra's standard 1GB data download plan on its Next G wireless network
costs $84.95, so customers will effectively be paying $14.05 a month for
the laptop - $505.80 over the three-year contract.
Telstra Business executive director Cathy Aston said the laptop offer
"provides cost certainty and eliminates the stress of having to come up
with a large upfront payment".
The exact specifications of the laptops included in the offer were not
immediately available, although Telstra said it would only include
laptops that sell for up to $700.
The offer is scheduled to end on June 30 and is restricted to selected
computer retailers, such as Harvey Norman, ICT Distribution and Techhead
Interactive.
Next G is the country's biggest wireless network but Telstra charges
customers significantly more for data downloads than its rivals
Vodafone, 3 and — to a lesser extent — Optus.
Telstra offers $0 laptops ... but there's a catch 
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