Abstract: The disclosed arrangement for enhancing the starting characteristics of a cold cathode gas laser includes a strip of electrically conductive plastic disposed on the outer lateral surface of the laser tube. The strip extends longitudinally along the tube for most of the length of the tube and extends circumferentially about the tube in the vicinity of its end remote from the laser anode. A tape of electrically insulating material overlies the strip and adhesively holds it against the laser tube. The end of the strip remote from its circumferentially extending portion is electrically connected to the anode. Faster starting with relatively low voltages and with a more uniform voltage magnitude and turn-on time delay for individual laser tubes are achieved.