Beeline becomes third Russian carrier to drop iPhone

A report by Hi-Tech Mail (via PhoneArena) indicates that the Russian cellular carrier Beeline (through parent company VimpelCom) has decided against renewing its contract with Apple, making it the last of the country’s three major iPhone carriers to do so. Beeline has made a deal to offer Samsung devices on their network in place of Apple’s smartphone.

Late last month, Apple opened its online store to Russia for the first time, providing Russia users with another outlet to purchase the iPhone. It seems the decision could not have come at a better time on Apple’s part. The California tech giant also retains its retail contract with the Svyaznoy chain, but with no major carriers offering to carry the device, it could be a hard sell.