Vodafone, Airtel start marketing Apple's 3G iPhone

NEW DELHI: The countdown for the much- awaited iPhone has begun with cellular operator Vodafone and Airtel offering potential customers a chance to own the device "before others do", by placing a deposit of up to Rs 10,000.

The 3G-enabled device which will hit the Indian market by mid-night tomorrow, is expected to be priced between Rs 31,000

for the 8 GB model and Rs 36,100 for the 16 GB model. Although Vodafone declined to share details about handset bookings, sources said the response is very encouraging.

Vodafone has already started sending SMS to its subscribers giving details of the iPhone's availability.

The announcement comes ahead of official word from Bharti Airtel, country's leading wireless provider, which will also offer the iPhone.

The iPhone is an Internet-enabled multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It has a multi-touch screen with virtual keyboard and buttons.