The deal expands the number of new countries carring the iPhone to near 50 and brings the iPhone into the home markets of some of its direct competitors, including Nokia in Finland and Sony Ericsson in Sweden. Apple is widely expected to announce full details of a 3G-capable iPhone, which is considered essential to a successful launch in these northern regions, at the Worldwide Developers Conference in less than two weeks' time. Most also anticipate additional details about carrier launches during or near the event.