Synchronica plc, the international provider of next-generation mobile messaging services, has secured an initial contract worth more than US$500,000 with a device manufacturer targeting the African mass market. The device manufacturer will bundle the white-labelled Synchronica Mobile Gateway with a number of MediaTek-based handsets, enabling consumers in Africa to experience a BlackBerry-like service on a range of low-cost devices.

The deal comes just days after the announcement of an initial US$1.25 million+ contract with an Indian handset manufacturer. The new win will provide Synchronica with a monthly per user hosting fee, in addition to licence fees and a 12-month support and maintenance contract.

Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Synchronica, said, "This latest contract win underlines how well suited Synchronica’s advanced messaging solutions are for handset manufacturers and mobile operators in high-growth emerging markets who want to differentiate their offerings through VAS. This is the second contract in a matter of days from an emerging markets-based device manufacturer using the MediaTek platform. Synchronica Mobile Gateway appeals to device manufacturers because it supports any handset and can be bundled easily and cost-effectively to deliver an attractive range of phones aimed at the mass market.”