AT&T announced a new 3G LaptopConnect device from Sierra Wireless, the AT&T USBConnect Lightning, will launch in retail stores beginning November 22. The Lightning will be compatible with AT&T’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology. It comes pre-loaded with AT&T Communication Manager (ACM) 7.0 software to help customers manage their connections.

With the upgrade to HSPA 7.2 technology, AT&T continues investments to deliver the nation’s fastest 3G network. AT&T plans for initial deployment of HSPA 7.2 in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami by the end of the year. The company plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 in 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets by the end of the second quarter of 2010, and to reach about 90 percent of its existing 3G network footprint with HSPA 7.2 by the end of 2011.

The Lightning will be available at no cost after a $100 mail-in rebate with a DataConnect Plan of at least $35 a month. Pay $99.99 after two year agreement and receive a $100 AT&T Promotion Card.