Telstra subscribers waiting for the new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 may have to wait even longer as the device will be available through the network early next year.

When Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was announced in Australia last week, it did not mention that it will not be readily through major carriers by the time of release unlike the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Telstra confirmed that it will be stocking the phablet and will sell the device in the first quarter of 2013. The price and plans through which the device will be available are being held until the release date. Nevertheless, the announcement is a major blow to Telstra customers who are highly anticipating to get their hands on the new device. The delay could be frustrating for some Telstra customers and they may resort into switching networks.

In a post on its Exchange blog, Telstra Web Producer Leigh Price stated, "Well, we can now confirm that Telstra are bringing the Samsung Galaxy Note II to Australia's largest 4G-enabled network early next year. This will bring the number of 4G devices available to Telstra customers to 20."

Meanwhile, Optus is shipping the device this week to those who pre-ordered the phablet last week. Pre-order is still ongoing for Optus. For AU$60 per month you will get calls up to the value of AU$650, along with 1.5GB of data and unlimited texts each month.

Vodafone, on the other hand, has kept quiet about its planned Note 2 release. This means that Optus could also benefit from Vodafone's minor problem with not keeping their customers informed.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 made its way to the Australian shores officially last week at a fancy launch event in Sydney. The device boasts its quad-core processor, Android Jelly Bean mobile operating system version 4.1, 2GB RAM, 8-megapixel camera, front-facing HD camera, a stylus pen called the "S Pen" and the large 5.5-inch Super AMOLED screen display.

According to reports, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will have Ruby Wine, Topaz Blue, and Amber Brown jacket options, with the Korean manufacturer shipping the new colors sometime next year. For now, the device is available in Marble White and Pebble Blue variants.