Telstra has launched its Ultimate USB mobile device to small and medium businesses in Australia. The device, which promises to deliver speeds that is twice as fast as its NextG USB modems, offers download speeds between 1.1Mbps to 20Mbps.

The gadget had been undergoing trials from selected companies since August. The device exhibited the same speed in capital CBDs and regional centers in the country.

The telecommunications company used Pureprofile to survey small businesses. Out of the 174 small business owners who responded to the survey, 44 percent said that they spent more ten hours working outside the office, with about 40 percent saying that they used mobile broadband for the purpose.

Survey respondents held mobile broadband speed as one of the most important factors to consider, with 95 percent of mobile broadband users rating speed as important, very important or vital.

The Telstra Ultimate USB device is available for $299 for business customers when bought outright. On a $69 mobile broadband plan, the device costs $0 upfront.