The Apple iPhone cult has managed to get its foot in the door in mother Russia. According to Silicon Valley.com Apple Inc has agreed a distribution deal with carrier Mobile TeleSystems. Sales are likely to begin in October.

Neither Apple, nor Mobile TeleSystems, which is Russia's largest mobile phone operator, were commenting on the deal. Apple has a funny relationship with Russia. It has consistently failed to understand that Russians will not fork out huge amounts of money for its gizmos.

Salaries are still too low and the people that can buy Apple gadgets are the very wealthy, or gangsters. Apple's iPhones are not yet sold officially in Russia, but illegal sales have made the gizmos status symbols.

More here.