BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will soon come preinstalled on a variety of Android-based smartphones from OEMs across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Beginning next month, Android smartphones from Be, Brightstar, Celkon, Evercross, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian, Spice, Tecno, TiPhone and Zen will include BBM preinstalled.

In addition, BlackBerry has confirmed that BBM will also continue to be available as a free download from Android app stores, including Google Play.

“It is clear that smartphone customers see BBM as a must have app for active conversations. The uptake we have seen for BBM since the launch on Android and iPhone is amazing,” says Andrew Bocking, executive vice-president for BBM at BlackBerry.

“We’re thrilled to be working with leading Android smartphone manufacturers from across the globe to help bring their customers the best out-of-the-box experience with BBM preinstalled.”