by , 1:40 PM EDT, September 2nd, 2008

MegaFon revealed on Tuesday that, like VimpelCom, it has struck a deal to carry Apple's iPhone 3G in Russia. The company isn't offering any extra details yet other than to say it will begin selling the combination iPod and smartphone "later this year."

Apple plans to sell the iPhone 3G in about 70 countries by the end of 2008, and has already introduced the combination iPod and smartphone to over 40 countries. The handheld first went on sale on about 20 countries on July 11, and then an additional 21 countries on August 22.

Like prior iPhone distribution deal announcements, Apple has not commented on the agreement.