Time-based access to the web from any handset
Opera Software and Airtel, a leading integrated telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, announced the launch of Opera Web Pass for customers in 17 countries across Africa. This allows subscribers to choose a data package that suits them – be it time-based or site-based.
With Opera Web Pass, mobile internet users on the Airtel networks will be able to make use of an affordable and simple pay-as-you-go service for their Airtel mobile phones. A user just needs to start Opera Mini on any mobile phone, click 1″Opera Web Pass” in the Speed Dial start page and choose from a list of web pass subscriptions, allowing Airtel mobile customers to purchase from a range of user-centric packages to suit their internet access needs.
Opera Web Pass leverages the existing capabilities of the Opera Mini platform and allows Airtel, in a flexible and cost-efficient way, to package time- or site-specific data offerings to their users. For example, if a person has a couple of hours to spend on a train or in a taxi, they can access and browse the web for a couple of hours during the trip. They can choose a specific period of time or website to access to facilitate this access.
Different packages can be changed frequently, allowing operators to see what works best in a given market or within targeted demographics. Opera Web Pass makes it even more compelling for subscribers to get online using their mobile phones and in a way that is tailored to their needs. For mobile subscribers without data plans, this is the easiest and most flexible solution for accessing the web. With the opportunity for users to choose an exact time period in which to access the web, rather than the amount of megabytes, Airtel’s browsing offer will be easier for users understand and access.
By breaking down one of the biggest barriers to entry for most users looking to go online with their phones, which is often a multi-step, time consuming and error prone process, Opera Web Pass liberates users, making access to the mobile internet a streamlined, easy-to-understand
process where offers are presented when they are sought in a non-intrusive way.
Complex data-use MB plans, which require a significant monetary and time investment currently can now be replaced with time- or content-based, affordable and controllable Opera Web Pass packages – a straightforward process similar to how consumers buy apps today.
With Opera’s powerful Web Pass configuration tool operators can monitor and optimize web passes and campaigns in near real time.
Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer at Airtel Africa, says “Opera Web Pass will make a significant difference to our customers ability to buy data bundles easily and in a way that suits them. We have enjoyed a beneficial relationship with Opera and seen growth of the Opera Mini browser across our 17 markets in Africa”
Opera Web Pass leverages the existing capabilities of the Opera Mini platform, which means almost any phone on any platform can be made web friendly.
“At Opera, we believe that access to the web is a universal right. Partnering with market leaders such as Airtel has offered us the opportunity to help lower the barriers to access the mobile web and empower more African users to get online,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software.
To learn more about the Opera Web Pass, visit http://www.operasoftware.com/products/web-pass.
About Airtel Limited
Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 264 million customers across its operations at theend of January 2013. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com.