iPhone launching across five U.S. regional carriers today

The iPhone is branching out from its major U.S. carrier roots to grab even more customers.

Five regional carriers have made good on their promise to offer local subscribers the iPhone as of today.

Customers of the five regional carriers will actually enjoy at least one advantage over those on Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint.

A peek at the iPhone 4S pages for Alaska Communications, Appalachian Wireless, Cellcom, GCI, and nTelos show the phone selling for $50 less than the price tag offered by the three nationwide carriers.

The iPhone 4 is also available among the five, selling for the usual $99 from some and $50 from others. Buyers can opt for a range of voice and data plans from across the carriers, including individual, family, statewide, nationwide, and even prepaid.

Alaska Communications obviously covers Alaska. Appalachian Wireless covers parts of Kentucky and Virginia. Cellcom covers Wisconsin and Michigan. GCI covers Alaska. And nTelos covers Virginia and parts of other states.

As the iPhone expands across the U.S., one carrier, though, is still left out of the loop, namely T-Mobile. But it's not for lacking of trying.

The company has shown its desire to pick up the iPhone, but so far Apple hasn't acted on the request.

"T-Mobile thinks the iPhone is a good device and we've expressed our interest to Apple to offer it to our customers," the company said in a statement e-mailed to CNET last October. "Ultimately, it is Apple's decision."

Corrected at 9:00 a.m. PST. Fifth carrier is GCI.