South Korean handset maker LG Electronics Inc. on Tuesday announced plans to expand the global availability of its flagship "Optimus G" smartphone in the first quarter.

LG plans to launch the long-term evolution (LTE) smartphone in 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa in the January-March period, the company said in a press release.

The company is set to kick off the move in Singapore later this month with mobile operator StarHub, according to a company spokesman.

The move comes as LG is moving to bolster its flagship smartphone line-up in efforts to boost its mobile presence. On Monday, the company confirmed its plan to release "Optimus G Pro," adding the follow-up model may become available locally as early as the first quarter.

Since its launch in September, LG has rolled out the flagship phone via 10 carriers in four countries, including South Korea, Japan and the United States.

The Optimus G has sold over 1 million units worldwide, becoming LG's fastest-selling smartphone, according to LG. (Yonhap News)