US electronics retailer Best Buy has landed a deal to carry the Apple iPhone 3G.

Starting 7 September, the company will stock the handset in its Best Buy Mobile stores. The deal will make Best Buy the first third-party retailer allowed to sell the iPhone and add some 970 additional locations to the handset's reach.

Currently, US customers wishing to get the iPhone 3G are limited in their choices to retail stores from Apple and service provider AT&T. Best Buy has, until now, had a limited retail partnership with Apple, only selling the iPod and Macintosh lines.

"The iPhone has changed the way people think about their mobile phones and we are delighted to help more customers get their hands on this revolutionary product," said Best Buy president and chief operating officer Brian J. Dunn.

"Our Best Buy Mobile employees have the training and expertise to deliver the best experience possible for our customers – from the initial purchase through the life of their iPhones."

Best Buy will offer the iPhone 3G's standard retail prices of $199 for the 8GB handset and $299 for the 16GB model, along with a two-year service contract with AT&T.