DHAKA: Google is expanding its Android One programme into Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The initiative, which debuted in India in 2014, is aimed at driving growth in low-cost smartphones in emerging markets. 

Google is working with a “wide range of manufacturers and network partners” in the subcontinent, among them Indian vendors Karbonn, Micromax and Spice, as well as operator Banglalink. 

The developingtelecoms.com publishes the reports on Wednesday. 

In addition, the Bangladeshi vendor Symphony is manufacturing an Android One device named the Roar A50.

While the service has launched in more developed markets - Karbonn is launching a product portfolio for certain European countries – it is primarily focused on emerging markets. Google has cited Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines as likely future expansion targets.

Costs are kept down by deploying a common hardware platform and Android OS. The three markets have a combined population of over 200 million people.

BDST: 1537 HRS, JAN 08, 2015