South Korea's KTF is still hoping it can launch Apple's iPhone 3G in the country before the end of the year, but that isn't likely to happen. Part of the company's roll-out plans hinge on changes to the Korea Commications Commission's wireless data requirements for cell phones, and that's not likely to change until the end of 2008, according to The Korea Times.

The Korean government has been considering dropping its wireless platform for interoperability (WIPI) requirements that set a rules for mobile data software on cell phones. The requirements are seen by many as a trade barrier that's keeping some cell phones out of the country.

A KCC official confirmed that talks are underway. "A decision could be soon, and it wouldn't go past early next year at the latest," he said.

The iPhone won't get an official South Korean launch until the WIPI requirements are lifted because Apple isn't going to change its software to meet the country's restrictions. "Unlike Nokia or other foreign handset makers, Apple has no intensions of releasing a WIPI-enabled handset," said a KTF official.

Since the South Korean government could reach a decision before the end of the year, opening the way for the iPhone 3G to come into the country, KTF is still hopeful that it might be able to sell the combination iPod and smartphone before January.

"There is no need for us to call it impossible, but releasing iPhone within December would indeed by a huge challenge," one KTF official commented.