BellSouth today announced a strategic agreement with Samsung Telecommunications America to market and co-brand broadband devices for consumers and businesses.

The deal gives Samsung a significant U.S. presence, but it’s less clear what it will do for BellSouth. In the announcement, BellSouth said it would work with Samsung to “identify opportunities in which a relationship between BellSouth’s broadband platform and innovative Samsung devices could extend broadband usage and deliver enhanced solutions.”

This is the first such relationship for BellSouth, according to a spokeswoman.

“With this agreement, BellSouth will have access to Samsung's vast development resources and scale,” she said. “Samsung is also one of the most recognized and fastest-growing global brands, with a solid reputation and commitment to quality.”

She added that the deal gives BellSouth access to Samsung products at favorable rates and lays the foundation for future cooperation.

In advance of its proposed merger with AT&T, BellSouth continues to operate independently to advance its own innovations, she said.