Swedish mobile firm TeliaSonera has struck a deal to bring the device to seven countries in the region later this year.

In addition to Sweden, the company has operations in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. No specific date has been set. Either way, it expands the device's reach to much of Europe.

The Cupertino company is also apparently in talks to bring the device to Holland. Reuters reported Tuesday that carrier Royal KPN NV is in talks with Apple to offer the device there.

Apple likely has hopes that the expanded presence on the continent will help drive sales. To date, Europe has lagged the US by far in iPhone sales. Analysts believe the reason has much to do with price.

In Europe, phone subsidies are usually quite common. With the unsubsidized nature of the iPhone, many cellular customers there are balking at the high price of the phone compared to similarly featured -- and subsidized -- smart phones.

Elsewhere, there are still major markets left untapped by Apple, most notably Russia and China. While no carriers have appeared interested in Russia, China seems to be an altogether different story. Reports indicate that China Mobile appears most interested, but sticking points seem to be the revenue sharing requirements Apple places in its contracts.

With Apple apparently easing those requirements, as well as exclusivity clauses, China may see the iPhone in the not too distant future.