RadioShack announced it has become the first retailer in the United States to offer a new netbook with integrated 3G wireless capabilities.  The company is now offering the Acer Aspire One 3G netbook for $99, although users are forced to sign a new two-year contract for AT&T's DataConnect service.

"Many people internationally are already enjoying the portability, on-the-go connectivity and affordability of this emerging new technology," said Peter Whitsett, RadioShack's executive vice president – merchandising. "We are proud to introduce this concept in the U.S. by offering a netbook with integrated 3G functionality in addition to full Wi-Fi capability.”

According to a RadioShack advertisement posted by Engadget, the netbook comes with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 160GB HDD, 1GB ram, and an 8.9" screen.  The Acer Aspire One without the bundled AT&T plan costs $499.99.

The Acer Aspire One helped propelled Acer into the No. 1 netbook manufacturer spot.  The current $99 promotion is valid through December 24, and the AT&T service costs $60 per month.

Overall popularity of netbooks continues to rise, as consumers look for lightweight systems that are easily portable.  Both Dell and Hewlett-Packard also have similar deals available for consumers wanting to purchase a netbook with a bundled broadband Internet deal.

Telephone service providers have worked with retailers to offer subsidized phones for consumers, but the trend hasn't caught on in the netbook market in the United States as of yet.  However, it's possible to find netbooks bundled with 3G service in Germany, Korea and several other countries.