Techtree.com reports that Vodafone is likely to launch the Apple iPhone 3G in India within a month’s time from now i.e. in mid-to-late August 2008. [ed: 18th August is the date that's been doing the rounds right now]

Of course, it is also widely known that Bharti Airtel will also sell the iPhone 3G in India. However there are reports that Vodafone will get a 15-day headstart on Airtel because Apple has a global agreement with Vodafone for the iPhone 3G.

The Techtree.com report says that Vodafone will only launch the 8GB version to begin with. I am none-too-happy with this approach, but I reckon it might just be to level the playing field for Bharti Airtel since they would be starting second in the race to sell the ubiquitous iPhone 3G in India. Moreover, Vodafone’s website says that the iPhone 3G would be available only on their 2G network. That being the case, I would advise the new iPhone 3G users in India to not join the frenzy for purchasing apps from the App Store since I reckon most of the apps would be optimized for use with 3G networks.

Most importantly, reports vary wildly on the likely price of the iPhone 3G. Don’t go by conversion of the US price of $199 into equivalent Rupees. That price-tag is for the iPhone 3G handset taken with an AT&T contract which is the real killer. So the handset-only cost would be much higher than $199. Moreover, high import duties in India will also add to the price. So I am expecting the 8GB version to debut at a price in the Rs.12000 - Rs.16000 range, if not more.

But hey, who cares about all these things, right?! It’s the coolest portable internet device-cum-phone and I can’t wait to lay my hands on one… umm, once again! ;-)

By the way, I am sure everybody knows that both Vodafone and Bharti Airtel have been pre-registering customers for the iPhone 3G. Have you pre-registered yet?!

Update [07 Aug 2008] News reports in Indian mainstream and web media state that the iPhone 3G launch date in India will be 22^nd August 2008. The reports also mention that both Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are expected to launch the iPhone on the same day as against the earlier reports which gave Vodafone a 15-day headstart on account of its worldwide tie-up with Apple. Moreover “analysts” seem to think that the iPhone 3G may cost around Rs. 20,000 in India. Let’s wait and watch.