The first - and currently only - mobile phone powered by Google's Android operating system has now been made available beyond 3G markets - an area it had only been released in previously.

The HTC G1 handset - run by network provider T-Mobile - can now be picked up at shops by T-Mobile customers who do not yet have a 3G signal yet, indicating that the network provider now has enough handsets to go around.

Speculators are guessing that the much-anticipated Google phone was not made readily available before because not enough handsets had been built to cope with the demand.

With the new handset, customers still may not receive 3G support immediately, but EDGE customers can use their connection to get around this.

The HTC G1 device caused a stir in September last year when it was initially released to much acclaim. The handset has now sold well over one million units and is seeing similar success to Apple's first iPhone - a device now surpassed by the hugely popular 3G iPhone.

The newer iPhone sold one million units over its first weekend, breaking records for the fastest selling mobile phone. It is expected that upcoming Android phones - reported to be manufactured by companies such as Nokia, Samsung and Motorola - could see similar success as the devices and platform usability are honed to perfection.

More Android-operated handsets are anticipated to appear on the market from as early as next month.