The wireless distributor and supply-chain management firm Brightstar Corp. signed a multi-year service agreement with MTN South Africa (SA), through which Brightstar will be able to expand its operations and services into the African region. Africa is the latest in a series of overseas ventures for Brightstar. Last July, the company said it would invest $23 million in a deal with Research in Motion (RIM) Ltd. in Argentina. RIM is set to start manufacturing BlackBerries in Tierra del Fuego this month, and the operation could generate up to 300 jobs.
In January, RCR Wireless News reported that Brightstar opened its first offices in Russia in the summer of 2010, partnering with Euroset, the largest mobile phone and consumer electronics retail chain in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In December 2010, the company said it expanded into Thailand and Vietnam to further support its strategy of having a local presence in key Asia-Pacific markets.
In South Africa, Brightstar will provide MTN SA with device portfolio management services, supply chain services and OEM engagement services that will encompass the operator’s full portfolio of handsets, data devices, laptops and tablets.
Brightstar offers an expansive portfolio of more than 100 services for wireless manufacturers, operators, retailers, government agencies, value added resellers (VARs) and consumers worldwide.
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