Tim Cook mentioned in the last earings call that Apple would double its iPhone footprint to 40 countires on August 22.  India is the biggest in terms of population - though the 3G features won't mean a great deal - there is no 3G on the populous sub-continent, such services aren't expected to launch until next year.

The iPhone - which also goes on sale in the Czech Republic that day through O2 - will be available through Bharti Airtel in India. The company is already allowing customers to sign-up for information on the device.

“iPhone has been the iconic technology revelation of this year," said Sanjay Kapoor, president of Mobile Services at Bharti Airtel. “Airtel has been at the forefront of innovation and customer delight in the Indian telecom sector. Introducing iPhone 3G to India further underscores our commitment to enrich the communication experience of all Airtel users.”

Vodafone India is also preparing to launch the device, but has declined to say when, but likely in the same time-frame.

Introduction of the device in India is likely to propel Apple's market share. Mobile telephony is highly advanced in India, which has a population of 1,147,995,898 (July 2008 estimate from CIA World Factbook), with 63 per cent of the population aged between 15-64-years and a GDP of $2.989 trillion.

Preparing for launch in the Czech Republic, O2 chairman Salvador Anglada, said: "As the only 3G network operator on the Czech market, and because O2 has the country's most extensive wireless network for WiFi internet connectivity, we are giving our customers an exclusive opportunity to enjoy all the benefits that iPhone 3G offers.

And one more thing - the iPhone will also go on sale in Estonia on August 22.