AT&T is of course starting to deploy faster HSPA 7.2 upgrades, which nudge AT&T's downstream 3G network speed closer to 7.2 Mbps . Not that you'll actually see those kinds of speeds in the real world, but it's a decent improvement. Still, before you can see those faster speeds on your laptop, you'll need a new modem. To that end, AT&T says the new AT&T USBConnect Lightning from Sierra Wireless will be made available starting November 22. It's free after a $100 mail-in rebate -- and assuming you subscribe to a DataConnect Plan of at least $35 a month. AT&T says they'll have 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets wired with HSPA 7.2 by the end of 2010, and 90% of their footprint upgraded by the end of 2011.

Update: AT&T clarifies to us that there are some folks who won't need a new modem -- mainly those who use The Mercury tethered.