The competition stragglers, who have won just one match in two years, have acquired the 1.93m Altschwager to complement another recent signing in rookie Silver Ferns defender Katrina Grant.
Altschwager, 29, played for Australia from 1999 to 2004 and was enticed out of retirement this year to play for Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship.
The Pulse also announced today that they had retained the services of young midcourter Camilla Lees, who this year earned promotion to the New Zealand squad.
The Wellington-based Pulse now believe they now the makings of a competitive outfit.
"We have been open about our need to sign three world class players in preparation for the 2010 season and are delighted to have achieved this," Central Pulse chief executive Bridget Abernethy said.
Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie said Altschwager would offer her team a wealth of experience in the shooting circle.
"With Katrina Grant in the defensive circle, Millie in the centre court and Jane in the shooting circle, we feel we have the core of a competitive side for 2010."
