Christmas came a little early for all the Microsofties out there.

As we first reported back in September, all full-time, direct Microsoft employees (a.k.a. Blue Badges/FTEs) received a Surface RT machine for use at work and home.

And as we can see on the social media feeds, it looks like that happened on Wednesday.

Mary Jo Foley reports that employees in 12 countries with Microsoft offices will receive the initial batch of complimentary Surfaces —all employees are also receiving Windows 8 Phone devices — with the hope to have a majority of the employees equipped with a Surface before Christmas.

Microsoft is also reportedly opening up a new open Wi-Fi network on the Redmond campus, with the company encouraging employees to use the new network for personal use with the Surface tablets or Windows 8 phones that aren’t connected to the corporate domain.

Maybe having 94,000 employees carry around the Surface will help spread the word of the new tablet, which until just recently was selling exclusively in Microsoft’s own retail and online storefronts.

Previously on GeekWire: Microsoft Surface expanding to Staples and other retailers

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