AT&T has announced a new LaptopConnect Lightning modem from Sierra Wireless that is set to hit on November 22nd. The modem offers access to HSPA data speeds of up to 7.2Mbps download. That is a considerably faster download speed than is currently available in most areas and is meant to hold us over until LTE debuts in 2010/2011.

The modem is a USB device designed for laptop use and has a swiveling USB connector that allows it to be used in portrait or landscape modes. The device is pre-loaded with AT&T Communications Manager 7.0 software to manage connections.

The software will automatically connect users to AT&T hotspots in range at no cost. The modem will be free after a $100 mail-in rebate with a data plan of at least $35 monthly. The $35 monthly plan gets 200MB of data and a 5GB data plan costs $60 monthly.