Following the success of the Opera Mini co-branded browser across VimpelCom markets, the two companies are further strengthening their partnership through a complete mobile internet engagement and monetization framework, spanning from basic phones to smartphones. Through an extension of the existing Global Framework Agreement (GFA), VimpelCom subsidiaries can opt into the entire Opera portfolio of products for monetization and optimization of mobile data, including such existing products as Opera Web Pass, Skyfire Rocket Optimizer and Horizon, as well as Opera Max, which will be introduced during 2014.
Already more than 10 million VimpelCom subscribers are enjoying the mobile internet through an Opera Mini-VimpelCom co-branded browser experience, with easy access to mobile services and data offers. By introducing Opera Web Pass, VimpelCom will further remove barriers for consumers who want a simple way to get online and discover a world of content with their mobile phones. Opera Web Pass can be tailored to fit the operators’ marketing needs, and includes compelling data packages that are time-based, content-based or even free for promotional use. With Opera Web Pass, it only takes one click for a VimpelCom subscriber to buy a web pass and instantly connect to the web.
To help combat the explosion of data traffic coming from smartphones, particularly mobile video consumption, the extended GFA offers VimpelCom subsidiaries an optional implementation of Opera’s cloud-based services, including Rocket Optimizer and Opera Max.
“The boom in data-traffic services can be a headache for any mobile operator, but fortunately there are ways of handling the increased traffic,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with VimpelCom and, in cooperation with them, offer VimpelCom subscribers easy access to data with an improved mobile internet experience. This translates into more active and satisfied users spending more time online being social and enjoying the content they love.”
The extended partnership GFA creates the foundation for the two companies to offer a joint mobile-internet engagement framework that follows the user from basic phones to smartphones, delivered over a platform instrumented with unique cloud-based compression technology to improve the experience quality and reduce costs of user engagement.
“Every day, millions of VimpelCom customers worldwide benefit from the fast mobile internet in a convenient and cost-effective way using their VimpelCom Opera Mini browser.” says Mikhail Gerchuk, VimpelCom’s Group Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer. “By extending our strategic partnership with Opera we now have a strong toolkit to deliver an improved mobile internet experience to all our customers, using any device, any app, while browsing or streaming video and music.”
About VimpelCom
VimpelCom is one of the world’s largest integrated telecommunications services operators providing voice and data services through a range of traditional and broadband mobile and fixed technologies in Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and Canada. VimpelCom’s operations around the globe cover territory with a total population of approximately 753 million people. VimpelCom provides services under the “Beeline”, “Kyivstar”, “djuice”, “WIND”, “Infostrada” “Mobilink”, “Leo”, “banglalink”, “Telecel”, and “Djezzy” brands. As of September 30, 2013 VimpelCom had 219 million mobile subscribers on a combined basis. VimpelCom is traded on the NASDAQ Global Stock Market under the symbol (VIP). For more information visit: http://www.vimpelcom.com