AMSTERDAM and SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AVG Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company for 177 million active users, today announced that a leading multi-national telecommunications provider, MTN, is providing AVG™ AntiVirus PRO for Android™ to MTN subscribers in South Africa. AVG's security software app is preloaded on the MTN Steppa, an innovative new entry-level smartphone priced competitively and offering a custom selection of built-in apps.

Although just launched, the device has already been extremely popular with South African subscribers; for some, it is their first smartphone. The MTN Steppa is based on a Qualcomm Reference Design, powered by a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. According to Qualcomm, the Qualcomm Reference Design program offers Qualcomm Technologies' leading technical innovation, easy customization options, the QRD Global Enablement Solution which features regional software packages, modem configurations, testing and acceptance readiness for regional operator requirements, and access to a broad ecosystem of hardware component vendors and software application developers. Under the QRD program, customers can rapidly deliver differentiated smartphones to value-conscious consumers. There have been more than 390 public QRD-based product launches to date in 18 countries in collaboration with more than 40 OEMs.

"It is impossible to ignore the increasing reliance on smartphones in our daily lives and we are always striving to improve the service we offer our customers," said Mike Fairon – GM product and solutions, MTN. "This deal provides a seamless integration of mobile security into the design process, meaning that we are able to deliver a more desirable product to our customers and give them the option to enjoy their devices safely and to the fullest extent from the moment they activate them."

"In having our mobile security pre-loaded onto Qualcomm Reference Design handsets, we offer real added value to a major telecommunications service provider like MTN. In line with our goal to put people in control of their connected lives, providing AVG's mobile security app on the MTN Steppa gives their customers choice and flexibility in managing the security and privacy of their new smartphones," said David Ferguson, General Manager Consumer & Mobile, AVG Technologies. "We are really excited about the ongoing development of our relationship with MTN South Africa and the future opportunities to work together."

AVG Technologies portfolio of Android security applications are used by millions of users worldwide. AVG™ AntiVirus FREE for Android and AVG AntiVirus PRO for Android protect against mobile viruses, malware and phishing attacks; AVG PrivacyFix™ for Android helps people keep their personal information safe; and AVG's performance apps such as AVG Battery Saver & TuneUp and AVG Uninstaller help to de-clutter smartphones and keep them running fast.

AVG's flagship mobile security application, AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android™, recently surpassed the 100 million download mark on Google Play, the first time this has been achieved by any security application.

About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG's mission is to simplify, optimize and secure the Internet experience, providing peace of mind to a connected world. AVG's powerful yet easy-to‐use software and online services put users in control of their Internet experience. By choosing AVG's software and services, users become part of a trusted global community that benefits from inherent network effects, mutual protection and support. AVG has grown its user base to 177 million active users as of December 31, 2013 and offers a protection, performance and privacy products and services suite to consumers and small businesses including Internet security, performance optimization, mobile security, online backup, identity protection and family safety software.

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Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.  All Qualcomm Incorporated trademarks are used with permission.  Other products or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.  Android™ and Google Play™ are trademarks of Google, Inc.   All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE AVG Technologies N.V.