Intel Finds a Russian MegaFon for Its Android Ambitions

While Intel is still hopeful of convincing the world’s biggest smartphone makers to adopt its processors, a big part of its current business is tapping smaller players aiming to make a name for themselves.

The latest company to fit that bill is MegaFon, a lesser-known but fast-growing Russian cellphone operator. Later this month, the company plans to start selling a modified version of Intel’s smartphone reference design.

The MegaFon Mint, as the phone will be known, will go on sale Wednesday for 17,990 rubles, roughly $550.

MegaFon joins carrier Orange and Indian device maker Lava among those selling the Intel-designed phone under their own brands.

Intel has also announced a deal with Motorola, though the first phones under that partnership have not yet been announced.