3 Mobile has announced the expansion of its mobile broadband repertoire by introducing a prepaid billing system in time for Christmas. 3 will also allow their mobile broadband subscribers to prepay their Internet for a year if they wish.

The new prepaid mobile broadband packages include $15 for 500MB of data, $29 for 2GB and $49 for 4GB, all with a 30-day expiry.

Alternatively, 3 subscribers can pay $149 for 12GB of data which comes with a 12-month expiry — a market-first in Australia.

“By extending our mobile broadband offering to include prepaid we’ve now got a complete range of Internet solutions for our customers”, said Noel Hamill at 3. “3’s Mobile Broadband Prepaid gives customers the freedom and flexibility to enjoy the Internet on their own terms.”

The new prepaid broadband services will be available from 12 November. Recharge cards can be purchased from a number of retailers including 3 stores and 3 dealers, Mo's Mobiles, Allphones, Dick Smith Electronics, Tandy, Powerhouse and BIG W. Alternatively, 3 customers can recharge using a credit card online, or set up an auto recharge online.

Recharges include a national roaming allowance, but any additional usage above this allowance is charged at the rate of $7.50 per 4MB.

In addition to introducing prepaid broadband, 3 has also redesigned its Internet Key modem, offering a choice of three colours: green, orange and blue. The Internet Key modem is available with a prepaid starter kit, which includes 100MB of data, for $129.

3 Mobile is the third telco in Australia to offer prepaid wireless broadband, following Telstra and Optus.