Oslo, Norway – 19 July, 2011
Opera Software announced today that they have signed a three-year extension of their global frame agreement with Vodafone. The existing global frame agreement gives Vodafone the chance to offer its customers Opera products such as a Vodafone-branded Opera Mini browser, a product that is at the core of Vodafone’s Internet strategy for feature phones, particularly in emerging markets. Opera Mini is playing a strategic role in driving data penetration to the mass consumer market.
The customized Opera Mini was introduced in 2009 across a wide variety of Vodafone markets globally and has seen great success. The number of active users of the Opera Mini browser is up 300% year on year and growing in both emerging markets and the EU.
“In our complex world of advanced technology and a multitude of services, it’s easy to forget that consumers want a simple approach to their mobile device,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “Vodafone is one of those companies that truly understands the needs of their consumers and addresses them. The extension of the partnership between Vodafone and Opera Software is a testament to the close relationship between the two companies, a relationship that has refined the concept of the mobile browser.”
“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,” said Cenk Sedar, Director of Data and Communications Services, Vodafone. “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.”
About Opera Software ASA
The worldwide World Wide Web. Any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world — Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. 200 million people (and counting) are using the Opera, Opera Mobile and Opera Mini browsers. Participation changes everything. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.
About Vodafone
Vodafone is one of the world’s largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 371 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as at 31 March 2011. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and more than 40 partner networks worldwide.
