Vodafone to Pre-Install Opera Browsers into Mobile Phones

Vodafone has signed an agreement with Opera Software to develop a custom-made version of the mobile browser Opera Mini for the operator's low and mid range handsets. Opera Mini will be available in Vodafone markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

In early trials in Vodafone Egypt, more than 400,000 customers downloaded the product in a month.

As part of the global framework agreement with Opera Software, selected Vodafone operating companies will be able to pre-embed the Vodafone version of the Opera Mini browser on Java-based portfolio handsets or encourage customers to download it themselves.

"We are confident that the agreement with Opera Software will help to ensure that customers will be able to enjoy an even more fulfilling mobile internet experience on their handsets" said Pieter Knook, Vodafone Internet Services Director.

Posted to the site on 16th February 2009