Though running at up to 3.2Mbps compared to Telstra's 7.2Mbps, Optus claims it will move to higher speeds only once customers demand it.

"It's customer driven. Our devices are 7.2Mbps-capable and when there is demand we will offer a service for this," said Optus Consumer managing director, Warren Hardy.

"Our key message is that we are a quality, value-for-money broadband service which can now be used in a mobile way. Wireless broadband is a key product and we think it will take our offering to the next level."

Optus's prices will begin at $24.99 per month, with two types of plans aimed to suit business users and consumers. Users who sign on with the service – which Optus is dubbing OWB (Optus Wireless Broadband) – will receive their choice of either a Roamer or an InZone modem for a monthly rental fee beginning at $5.

The Roamer is a plug-in device for users who are out and about a lot, using the internet in a park, café, on the road or in a train, while the InZone is also a plug-in device that is pitched at customers who want wireless internet access that is easy to move from home-to-home, take on holidays or take with you when you move house.

Essentially a replica of Optus's fixed broadband services, the offering includes a full range of user services including an email account.

Optus is rolling-out 34 ‘Gen4' stores from February next year. The Optus broadband service currently reached 55 per cent of the population, however the company is now working on offering the service to 96 per cent of the population, said Hardy.