Vodafone to offer Web via Opera in emerging markets
By siliconindia   |   Thursday, 08 April 2010, 15:25 IST   |    2 Comments
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Vodafone to offer Web via Opera in emerging markets
London: Wireless operators are eager to increase their revenue from internet browsing and the social networking boom. Now Vodafone is all set to launch the Opera Mini browser on low cost handsets in emerging markets. The initiative is being rolled out in India, South Africa, Turkey, Tanzania and Egypt. Vodafone said it had worked with Opera to develop an enhanced version of its Opera Mini 5, which gives Internet access to lower and mid-tier handsets connected to the more basic second generation networks. Data traffic passes through Opera's mobile browser and is packaged up to save network bandwidth. "With this product, we can transform even basic handsets into very capable Internet browsing devices, enabling millions of people to enjoy the social and economic aspects of the Internet that many already take for granted," said Jonathan Bill, Vodafone Internet Services Head of Emerging Markets. Opera Chief Executive Lars Boilesen said working with Vodafone would give it the opportunity to help bridge the digital divide for millions of customers. The Opera Mini 5 browser has been embedded in a range of 20 devices and could be downloaded by over 250 handsets in Vodafone's range. Vodafone said the apps would be designed to deliver the most social benefits to users, such as providing email, finding a job and buying and selling services. A series of applications, which provide content, news update and games is also in development, said the operator.

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