T-Mobile UK today introduced a wireless data card for notebook computers that supports the HSDPA download acceleration technology for 3G networks. But while the card is available immediately, the HSDPA service will not go live until "the summer", a spokeswoman said.

The Web 'n' Walk card provides tri-band GSM/GPRS network access in addition to UMTS 3G. It's bundled with T-Mobile's new Web 'n' Walk Professional data-oriented airtime tariff when customers sign up for at least 18 months access. The card costs £58.75 with a 12-month contract. In each case, users pay £19.98 a month. Prices include VAT.

The company claimed that price is two-fifths of that charged by its "nearest competitor". T-Mobile didn't name names, but Vodafone, for example, charges £52.88 (inc VAT) a month for its unlimited 3G data card tariff, which also includes a bundled data card.

Both T-Mobile and Vodafone packages are said to provide "unlimited" data transfer, but both are in fact subject to so-called "fair use" rules that limit each to 2GB and 1GB, respectively.

T-Mobile did say that it's also bundling 12 months' free access to its global network of Wi-Fi hotspots with the card. ®