Finally Airtel today announced the launch date of Iphone 3G in India.  According to the news the Iphone 3G can be purchased from Airtel shops from the midnight on August 22, 2008. However, cautioned on their web-sites that the iPhone on launch in India will not be offered fully on 3G networks, and some of the features of the iPhone 3G will not be immediately available. Vodafone also stated to  bring Apples’s iPhone this year but Airtel acted fast.

“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.”

Customers will be able to purchase iPhone 3G at Airtel Relationship Centers. Details of pricing will be announced at a later date. Airtel customers who wish to receive more information on iPhone 3G can log on to http://www.airtel.in/iphone3g/

*Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.

The Indian government announced last week detailed guidelines for the auction of 3G spectrum during this year. The commercial roll out of 3G services is expected only in the first half of next year, said Madhusudan Gupta, senior research analyst at Gartner in an interview on Friday.