Telstra is attempting to steal some of the iPad’s thunder – and arrest plummeting fixed line revenues – by launching a tablet-like, app-filled device it describes as “the next generation of home phone”. But as Telstra’s executive director in its consumer marketing division, Jenny Young, explains, while the iPad is designed for people who are out and about, Telstra’s T-Hub, to be available from Tuesday, is more at home in the kitchen.

The package comes with one cordless handset but up to five can be added at additional cost. Calls can also be made handsfree using the touchscreen.  The device can send and receive SMS messages but this will only work with mobiles on the Telstra network.

The T-Hub will be available from Tuesday as part of 15 different bundle options. One option, the Home Bundle 12GB plan, costs $109 a month plus $35 upfront and includes unlimited local calls, 12GB of data and a modem/router combo.

Existing Telstra customers will be able to buy the T-Hub on its own for $299. More information here.