Back in March 2009, Vodafone signed an agreement with Opera Software to develop a custom version of the Opera Mini mobile web browser. The browser, although available in Vodafone’s markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, was designed to be particularly appealing to customers in developing countries with low-cost mobile phones.
Opera has now signed a three-year extension of their agreement with Vodafone, having seen the number of active users of the Opera Mini browser increase by 300% year-on-year.
Cenk Sedar, Director of Data and Communications Services at Vodafone, said “What makes Vodafone Opera Mini’s story special is the role it plays in bringing mobile internet, along with its social and economic benefits, to the masses, particularly in regions under-penetrated by standard communication services. Providing customers with a good internet experience on even the most affordable handsets has been key to Vodafone Opera Mini’s success. Further we see how Vodafone WebBox powered by Opera Mini is able to effectively extend the reach of mobile communication services by bringing great quality affordable internet experience to the TV screen as well, empowering communities as a whole.”