Data plans announced by Telstra and Optus tailored specifically for the Apple iPad will both start at $20 a month.

Both carriers announced details of some of their data plans today ahead of the May 28 Australian launch of Apple's new tablet computer.

Apple iPad tablet. Credit:AFP

Three of the iPad models are equipped with slots for micro SIM cards and can be used - like smartphones - to check emails and surf the web when users are on the road.

But they require users to purchase new data plans as the iPad are not designed to use wirelss broadband USB modems and cannot piggyback off a mobile phone data plan.