Vodafone nets the right note with Opera Mini phone deal

VODAFONE is to launch the Opera Mini browser on low-cost handsets so its millions of users in emerging markets can easily access the internet.

The mobile phone giant said yesterday 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 "2G" networks.

Wireless operators are eager to increase revenue from internet browsing and the social network boom, as revenue from traditional voice calls falls in saturated mature markets.

Jonathan Bill, Vodafone's internet services head of emerging markets, said: "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."

Opera's mobile browser compresses data, reducing demands on bandwidth and processing power to send data across the network.

A range of Vodafone applications, which provide content, news updates and games, is also in development.