Telsra and Optus drew howls when they unveiled their iPad 3G data plans, which offer 1GB for $A20 and 2GB for $A20 ($NZ24) respectively - at least from other handset makers who called the cut-rate data deals a case of Apple favouritism.

Matching, and from some angles bettering, Optus’ plans for the new iPhone, Vodafone Australia says it will sell the 3G S for zero dollars up-front on business plans from $A69/month. Pressure mounts on Vodafone NZ to follow - and for Apple to offer Kiwis more carrier choice.

Under the Vodafone Australia Small Business Caps plan for a 16GB iPhone 3GS, your $A69 ($NZ83) a month buys you 250 minutes, 200 txts and 1GB of data.

Optus has become the first of Apple’s three Aussie carriers to announce pricing for the new iPhone 3Gs - including special charges for tethering.

On several 24-month plans, the iPhone 3G S will be available for zero dollars.

Global roaming score, as of May 19
Vodafone voice roaming: 210 countries WolframAlpha leans toward epic fail
Telecom voice roaming: 206 countries
Telecom data roaming: 110 countries
Vodafone data roaming: 75 countries
WolframAlpha lists 238 nation states on the planet.

Optus has become the first major telco in Australasia to offer “naked DSL” – a broadband plan with no mandatory home phone account tied to it.

Naked DSL is attractive because it means a customer can use the internet for all their voice calls, or go mobile phone-only. Either way, they’re freed from paying for a monthly homeline; their fixed-line fees are limited to their DSL broadband account.

All wrapped up
Conversely, Telecom bundles a $45 phone phone line with all its broadband plans.

Selling its 10% stake in Hutchison would extricate Telecom from an awkward ménage a trois with Vodafone, but mean a huge loss on its original investment. PLUS - Double the Telecom intrigue: does the new Aussie telco have AAPT in its sights?