Today, France Telecom announced that it had managed to gain exclusive rights to distribute Apple's iPhone in France.

According to MacNN, company CEO Didier Lombard refused to offer details as to pricing, but stated that the iPhone will not be subsidized by the operator. Based on estimates from Thompson FInancial, the iPhone should be available to French consumers as early as November and definitely before Christmas.

Apple recently announced specific details as to the iPhone's release in the British and German markets, marking the company's first steps towards bringing the popular handset overseas.

Specific rates, prices and service plan details have not been made available for release as of yet.

Stay tuned to the PowerPage for more information as it becomes available.

If you have any thoughts on this or the expansion of the iPhone into European markets, let us know in the comments or forums.