Big mobile operators bringing iPhone 3G to Russia

Russia's top three mobile operators – MTS, VimpelCom, and Megafon – have all signed agreements with Apple to start selling the iPhone 3G in Russia.

The handsets are to go on sale in late September, but customs delays could see them available in October.  It is expected that about 1.8 million units will be sold annually. 

The iPhone will sell in Russia for $1,000 with the ability to switch between service providers. Apple's communication device has gained extreme popularity in the country – with many people buying foreign releases of the phone and having them hacked to work locally.