Google added a raft of partners to its Android for Work programme, coming from across the device maker, operator and application sectors.

The company said that this marks the first time that operators have signed, “so people can turn to their mobile operators to take advantage of Android for Work’s integrated security, management and productivity solutions”.

The first partners are focused largely on North America – AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Rogers, Bell Canada and Telus Mobility – with South Korea’s KT also on the list.

The device maker list adds ZTE and Silent Circle, joining a raft of high-profile names including Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, Lenovo/Motorola, Huawei, HP and Dell.

In total, 40 companies are now Android for Work backers.

In a blog post, Rajen Sheth, senior director of Android and Chrome for Work product management, wrote: “With its choice, flexibility and security, we believe Android is uniquely equipped to help business tap the full power of mobility.”

Google announced Android for Work earlier this year, with the aim of making Android devices more suitable for corporate deployments. This includes adopting secure encryption to protect work data, enterprise app deployment and management capabilities, and built-in productivity tools.