Israel's cellular companies will begin marketing the iPhone 4 this week, despite previous announcements that Apple's newest gizmo was only scheduled to arrive in a few months.
Orange, Pelephone, and Cellcom refused to comment on the subject, but a source in one of the companies confirmed that they would begin marketing the phone towards the end of the week. iDigital, Apple's representative in Israel, also confirmed the report.
However iPhone enthusiasts should know that the new product will force them to exchange their current SIM card for something called a Micro-SIM which is, true to its name, much smaller.
Israeli pinchpennies have already tried to duplicate the new card by cutting their old ones to match the iPhone's slot, but manufacturers have advised against this.
Israel's leading cellular companies say they will sell the phone along with a lengthy plan they say will be rather inexpensive, but those who wish to will be able to purchase it in the US without committing to a calling plan.
In the UK, for example, the wary customer will be able to buy the iPhone 4 at Apple's stores for a total of £499 and then receive a tax return upon exiting the country.
Italy's Orange stores also sell the phone for £499 pounds, plus an additional £10 for a SIM card. In Israel, the unofficial price of the iPhone 4 without a plan is over $1000.
But even the most zealous of Apple's fans will want to carefully consider purchasing the gadget, as the company has admitted that it has a number of reception flaws.