Telus at midday took a more aggressive step into mobile data by picking up the Sierra Wireless USB 598 as its 3G modem of choice. The stick gives Mac OS X and Windows computers access to the Canadian carrier's EVDO network and, like most newer modems, has its own internal memory that contains the drivers needed to install the adapter without turning to a CD. A microSDHC slot also gives it room for general data storage up to 32GB.

The telecoms firm is pushing the low cost of entry as a selling point and says it will give the USB 598 away for free to those who sign up for a two- or three-year plan. Buying the Sierra modem contract-free costs $200; data plans start from $25 per month for 500MB of casual use and scale up to $60 per month for 3GB of usage.